> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://methodology.china-index.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Response manual

> How Regional Partners and local experts respond to the Indicators.

Thanks for joining the China Index research initiative. We are thrilled to have you on board as a crucial part of our effort to collect and analyze data from different regions and countries to better understand the nature and extent of China's influence on a global scale.

This manual is designed to provide you with all the information you need to properly respond to the 99 Indicators of the 2024 edition. It includes guidelines on how to gather evidence for the Indicators, as well as instructions on how to form your responses. We encourage you to read this manual carefully before starting the work to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the Index’s objectives and how to properly respond to the Indicators.

## Tackling the Indicators - Step-by-Step

<Steps>
  <Step title="Read the general requirements">
    Read [General Requirements for Indicator Responses](/2024/response-manual#general-requirements-for-indicator-responses).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Understand the evidence periods">
    Read [Timeframe for Indicator Evidence](/2024/evidence-periods) to understand the various kinds of Indicators and the evidence each type requires.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find evidence and write the response">
    Search for supporting evidence related to the Indicator you are addressing, and follow [Instructions for Format of Indicator Responses](/2024/writing-responses) to formulate your final answer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your responses on the platform">
    Enter your responses on the China Index submission platform. Sign in with the account the office set up for you.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## General Requirements for Indicator Responses

* For positive responses, publicly available hyperlink(s) to documentary evidence are always required (excluding interview evidence). The evidence provided must be appropriate and sound. Accepted forms of evidence will be limited to:

  * News accounts,

  * Official documents,

  * Think tank reports,

  * NGO publications,

  * Academic papers,

  * Books,

  * Interviews: Please do note that the content of interviews must be outlined in the response text, in particular, regarding how the testimony of the interviewee serves to answer the Indicator. Due to the sensitivity of conducting interviews, anonymity, and corroboration issues, interview evidence is generally discouraged when answering Indicators.

    * The respondent must describe in the response text how the phenomena observed by the interviewee corresponds to the Indicator in questions, including specific details (When did the phenomenon occur? Where? Concerning whom?)

    * If a respondent seeks to use an interview to answer an Indicator, **they must either reveal their name or the name of the interviewee** (interviews where both parties are anonymous will not be accepted).

    * Hearsay is not accepted. Respondents can only rely on phenomena **directly observed** by interviewees, not by what an interviewee has **heard** through third parties.

  * Social media posts or other sources may be accepted if deemed appropriate but are generally discouraged.

* Respondents are requested to skip **no more than 10 Indicators**. Respondents are also encouraged to provide evidence (with hyperlink\[s]) to explain why an Indicator has been skipped.


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