A veritable GDP benefits all

According to an expert's prediction, China's GDP will surpass that of Japan by the end of this year. The prediction has become a sensation in cyberspace. However, the insidious threats behind this borrowed boom mustn't be neglected, says an article in China Youth News. Excerpts:

If the prophecy China's GDP surpassing that of Japan is fulfilled as forecast, will our standard of living, including housing, healthcare and education, also reach the level of No 2? Do Chinese people lead a more affluent life than those in Switzerland, which ranks lower than China in the GDP chart?

GDP total differs a lot from GDP per capita. In 2008, Japan's GDP per capita is $42,480, thirteen times that of China's $3,260. In this respect, China still has a long way to go to narrow the huge gap.