Enforcement issues of accounting principles in China

In the 21st century, globalisation is deemed inevitable in the development of the world economy. As commercial language, accounting information is internationally accepted so that control over accounting issues and the prevention of accounting fraud are critical to economic development (China Accounting Standards Committee, 2007). In this context, financial reporting quality is regarded as an endogenous function of market demands and political influences that are specific to each country (Chen & Cheng, 2007). The participation of Chinese companies in the world economy has grown during recent decades at a pace that surpasses all other economies significantly. Nevertheless, areas such as accounting and auditing remain a concern. China fully understands that a sound financial reporting system plays a key role in the process of economic development (Financial Reporting in Mainland China, 2007). In saying so, it is important to mention that it is not the standards itself that seem problematic but rather the enforcement of standards. Based on a report written in 2003, this analysis will present aspects that can be a concern with regard to enforcement of accounting standards. After describing each point, an update to what extent it has been resolved will be given. Finally, this report will highlight new enforcement issues that have arisen since 2003 before concluding with an outlook concerning China’s future in the field of accounting.