Chinese census figures can be taken with a pinch of salt especially in the country areas. There is no reason to believe that the system has changed from the manual counting of the past.. Because of the 'one child' policy there is a large number of people who were born out of the system and therefore their very existence had to be hidden to avoid a large fine. As the census team approached there would be a certain number of people running around the back to the houses that had already been counted. Even if an illegitimate 2nd child had officially arrived he/she could not get an identity card so he/she was on his/her own.
There is no shortage in China of people who work in the cash only sector mainly because, as they do not officially exist, they cannot get a bank account.
A bit like the UK really.
Last edited by Fareastdriver; 14th May 2021 at 19:47.