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Does National Auditing Improve Local Fiscal Transparency? Evidence From China

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  • Zhuo Chen
  • Mingzhi Hu

Abstract

This paper examines whether and how national audits affect local fiscal transparency in China. Using panel data from 30 provinces between 2009 and 2018, we find that national audits significantly improve local fiscal transparency after controlling for various economic and institutional factors. The effect of national audits on fiscal transparency varies significantly by region, which is stronger and statistically significant in eastern regions and in regions with high land finance, while not significant in central‐western regions or in those with low land finance. Furthermore, the positive impact is primarily driven by the disclosure and defense functions. These findings suggest that national audits are valuable for improving fiscal transparency, but their effectiveness varies depending on regional economic development and local government financing mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhuo Chen & Mingzhi Hu, 2025. "Does National Auditing Improve Local Fiscal Transparency? Evidence From China," International Studies of Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(2), pages 153-161, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:intsec:v:20:y:2025:i:2:p:153-161
    DOI: 10.1002/ise3.70007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yingzheng Yan & Liupeng Chen & Aoqi Xu & Yuanzhu Wei, 2026. "Government Audits and Rural Revitalization: Causal Evidence From China," SAGE Open, , vol. 16(1), pages 21582440251, February.

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