> ## 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.

# Writing responses

> Scores and response texts for each scoring type, with examples.

export const ResponseOption = ({score, title, note, evidence, children}) => <div className={`response-option score-${score}`}>
    <div className="response-head">
      <span className="response-score">{score}</span>
      <div>
        <p className="response-title">{title}</p>
        {note && <p className="response-note">{note}</p>}
      </div>
      {evidence && <span className="response-evidence">{evidence}</span>}
    </div>
    <div className="response-body">{children}</div>
  </div>;

export const GradingMatrix = ({withNone = false}) => {
  const rows = [...withNone ? [{
    scale: 'None',
    scores: [0, 0]
  }] : [], {
    scale: 'Few',
    scores: [1, 3]
  }, {
    scale: 'More than a few',
    scores: [2, 4]
  }];
  return <div className="grading-matrix not-prose">
      <table>
        <thead>
          <tr>
            <th className="corner">
              <span className="axis-col">Significance →</span>
              <span className="axis-row">Scale ↓</span>
            </th>
            <th>Insignificant</th>
            <th>Significant</th>
          </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
          {rows.map(row => <tr key={row.scale}>
              <th scope="row">{row.scale}</th>
              {row.scores.map((score, i) => <td key={i} className={`score score-${score}`}>{score}</td>)}
            </tr>)}
        </tbody>
      </table>
    </div>;
};

After obtaining sufficient supporting evidence, you can begin writing your response for the corresponding Indicator. A response text is always required for any response to an Indicator. The required numerical responses and response texts are depending on the “scoring type” of the Indicator. There are three scoring types:

* Simple Yes-No Indicators (possible responses: 0, 4, skip)
* Graded Yes-No Indicators  (possible responses: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, skip)
* Diplomatic Position Indicators (possible responses: 0, 2, 4, skip)

The below sections explain the difference between these scoring types and the applicable response texts.

## Simple Yes-No Indicators

These indicators are simple “Yes-No” questions in which an observation of an influence phenomenon warrants a “Yes” answer and a score of 4. Meanwhile, if the influence has not been observed, the Indicator warrants a “No” response and a score of 0.

Example Indicator:

“The PRC is my country's number one trading partner (for trade in goods only).” \[Economy Domain]

<div className="response-options">
  <ResponseOption score="0" title="No" note="PRC’s influence activity has not been observed">
    **Response text**

    > “There is no observation of the Indicator phenomenon.”

    *N.B. If you desire to provide more detail regarding why this Indicator deserves a 0 score, you are welcome but not required to explain further in 1-2 sentences.*
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="4" title="Yes" note="PRC’s influence activity has been observed" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “*\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]*. Therefore, this Indicator deserves a “Yes” response.”

    **Sample response (Taiwan)**

    > “Taiwan’s Executive Yuan website states that the People’s Republic of China is the biggest export (43.9% of total) and import (22.6% of total) market for Taiwan. Therefore, this Indicator deserves a “Yes” response.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Skip Indicator" evidence="Hyperlink if possible">
    See [Skipping Indicators](#skipping-indicators) below for the three reasons and their response texts.
  </ResponseOption>
</div>

### Skipping Indicators

There are three reasons that allow for skipping Indicators. In each case, experts provide further elaboration on why the Indicator has been skipped, or write down their insider knowledge or personal experience, and provide hyperlink(s) to explain the skip if possible.

<Note>Respondents will be requested to skip no more than 10 Indicators.</Note>

<div className="response-options">
  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Reason 1" note="The Indicator cannot be applied to this Index country.">
    **Response text**

    > \[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore the Indicator cannot apply to this Index country.

    **Example Indicator** \[Domestic Politics Domain]

    > In my country, there are reports of politicians or political parties receiving campaign donations that originate in the PRC.

    **Sample response**

    > Country X is an authoritarian regime that does not run any election campaigns. Therefore, the Indicator cannot apply to this Index country.
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Reason 2" note="The expert cannot provide an answer of either “yes” or “no” (e.g. because conflicting evidence makes it difficult to confirm).">
    **Response text**

    > \[1 - 2 sentences of explanation for what evidence has conflicted]. Therefore, a definite answer to this Indicator cannot be provided.

    **Example Indicator** \[Technology Domain]

    > In my country, the central or local government(s) has collaborated with the PRC on endorsing the use of [BeiDou satellite navigation system](https://china-index.io/about/glossary#BeiDou-satellite-navigation-system).

    **Sample response**

    > BeiDou’s official website states country X has entered into an agreement to use the BeiDou satellite navigation system, however there is no evidence of this partnership from sources in country X. Therefore, a definite answer to this Indicator cannot be provided.
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Reason 3" note="The expert has observed the phenomenon in question, but cannot provide or share the documentary evidence required to answer the Indicator in the affirmative.">
    **Response text**

    > \[1 - 2 sentences of explanation of what local experts have observed]. Therefore, while the local experts have observed the Indicator phenomena, they cannot provide the necessary documentary evidence to answer the Indicator in the affirmative.

    **Example Indicator** \[Media Domain]

    > In my country, there are journalists, media organizations or [online influencers](https://china-index.io/about/glossary#Online-influencer) who have received trainings from PRC [state-owned media](https://china-index.io/about/glossary#State-media) or [PRC-connected entities](https://china-index.io/about/glossary#PRC-connected-individuals-and-entities).

    **Sample response**

    > In 2019, a Chinese media outlet invited Local Expert X via phone call to participate in a training program but no record of the call was kept. Therefore, while the local experts have observed the Indicator phenomena, they cannot provide the necessary documentary evidence to answer the Indicator in the affirmative.
  </ResponseOption>
</div>

## Graded Yes-No Indicators

These are Indicators requiring a “Yes” or “No” answer, with “Yes” answers calling for a graded assessment from 1-4 for scale and significance. The grading system addresses the problem that the scale and significance of an Indicator can vary across countries, and therefore so does the level of PRC influence.  For example, one Indicator asks whether Chinese Students and Scholars’ Associations (CSSAs) are present in the country. In terms of scale, there may be a CSSA at a single university or multiple universities. Assessing for significance, the universities at which CSSAs are present could be nationally prominent or relatively less prestigious.

We therefore provide a grading matrix that accounts for these two factors and codes Indicator responses based on scale and significance along a range from zero to four:

<GradingMatrix withNone />

In the example of university CSSAs, a local expert in a small country might observe CSSAs at 5 major universities and give a score of 4 (“Significant” and “More than a few”) –  whereas an expert in a very large country might observe CSSAs at 5 less prominent universities and give a score of 1 (“Insignificant” and “Less than a few”). In this way, the methodology produces graded Indicator responses for significance and scale that can be compared across countries of varying size.

Example Indicator:

“In my country, one or more think tanks and academic research centers belong to [PRC-affiliated networks/associations](https://china-index.io/about/glossary#PRC-affiliated-networks) (such as: the Silk Road Think Tank Association, Silk Road Think Tank Network \[SiLKS], Belt and Road Studies Network, University Alliance of the Silk Road, University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road).” \[Academic Domain]

<div className="response-options">
  <ResponseOption score="0" title="No" note="The PRC’s influence activity has not been observed">
    **Response text**

    > “There is no observation of the Indicator phenomenon.”

    *N.B. If you desire to provide more detail regarding why this Indicator deserves a 0 score, you are welcome but not required to explain further in 1-2 sentences.*
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="1" title="Yes, Few, but Insignificant" note="The influence phenomenon has been observed, and the scale if “Few” and the phenomenon is “Insignificant”" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, this Indicator deserves a “Few” rating. \[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, this Indicator deserves an “Insignificant” rating.”

    **Sample response (Taiwan)**

    > “One Taiwanese university (out of roughly 150) was found to be a member of the PRC’s University Alliance of the Silk Road. Therefore, this Indicator deserves a “Few” rating. The university in question, Yuan Ze University, does not feature prominently within Taiwan’s society and politics. Therefore, this Indicator deserves an “Insignificant” rating.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="2" title="Yes, More than a Few, but Insignificant" note="The influence phenomenon has been observed, and the scale if “More than a Few” and the phenomenon is “Significant”" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, this Indicator deserves a “More than a few” rating. \[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, this Indicator deserves an “Insignificant” rating.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="3" title="Yes, Few, but Significant" note="The influence phenomenon has been observed, and the scale if “Few” and the phenomenon is “Significant”" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, this Indicator deserves a “More than a few” rating. \[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, this Indicator deserves an “Significant” rating.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="4" title="Yes, More than a Few, and Significant" note="The influence phenomenon has been observed, and the scale if “More than a Few” and the phenomenon is “Significant”" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, this Indicator deserves a “More than a few” rating. \[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, this Indicator deserves an “Significant” rating.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Skip Indicator" evidence="Hyperlink if possible">
    Follow [Skipping Indicators](#skipping-indicators).
  </ResponseOption>
</div>

## Diplomatic Position Indicators

There are four Indicators within the Foreign Policy Domain which do not follow the Indicator structures outlined above. These are Indicators #8, #9, #10, and #11 of the Foreign Policy Domain. These Indicators test for three different types of diplomatic positions towards contentious China-related political issues, with the following four options:

* “Rejection/denunciation” - 0 score
* “Remaining silent” -  2 score
* “Support” - 4 score.
* Skip

**\[Foreign Policy Indicator #8]**\
“My government has supported, remained silent about, or opposed the PRC's territorial claims (such as on the South China Sea arbitration ruling issued by the UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal in July 2016); except claims over Taiwan, which are indirectly covered in indicator 7.”

<div className="response-options">
  <ResponseOption score="0" title="My country has rejected PRC’s claim" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, the Index country has rejected the PRC’s territorial claim and the Indicator warrants a 0 score.”

    **Sample response**

    > “The president of country X opposed the PRC’s territorial claim to the South China Sea in a 2022 speech to the UN General Assembly. Therefore, the Index country has rejected the PRC’s territorial claim and the Indicator warrants a 0 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="2" title="My country has remained silent">
    **Response text**

    > “No evidence can be found of the Index country taking a definitive position regarding this Indicator. Therefore, the Index country has remained silent regarding the PRC’s territorial claim and the Indicator warrants a 2 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="4" title="My country has adhered to PRC’s claim" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, the Index country has adhered to the PRC’s territorial claim and the Indicator warrants a 4 score.”

    **Sample response**

    > “In 2022, country X vetoed a resolution in the United Nations Security Council that would have condemned the PRC’s claim to the South China Sea. Therefore, the Index country has adhered to the PRC’s territorial claim and the Indicator warrants a 4 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Skip Indicator" evidence="Hyperlink if possible">
    Follow [Skipping Indicators](#skipping-indicators).
  </ResponseOption>
</div>

**\[Foreign Policy Indicator #9]**\
“My government has supported, remained silent about, or opposed the PRC's treatment, governance, or policy towards the Uyghur population in Xinjiang.”

<div className="response-options">
  <ResponseOption score="0" title="My country has denounced the PRC" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, the Index country has denounced the PRC’s treatment of its Uyghur population and the Indicator warrants a 0 score.”

    **Sample response**

    > “Country X signed on to the International Religious Freedom Alliance that denounces the PRC’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Therefore, the Index country has voiced support for the PRC’s treatment of its Uyghur population and the Indicator warrants a 0 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="2" title="My country has remained silent">
    **Response text**

    > “No evidence can be found of the Index country taking a definitive position regarding this Indicator. Therefore, the Index country has remained silent regarding the PRC’s treatment of its Uyghur population and the Indicator warrants a 2 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="4" title="My country has voiced support for PRC’s stance" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, the Index country has voiced support for the PRC’s treatment of its Uyghur population and the Indicator warrants a 4 score.”

    **Sample response**

    > “Country X’s ambassador to the UN wrote in a 2022 letter to the UN Human Rights Council that the PRC was “responding to terrorism” in Xinjiang through its policies. Therefore, the Index country has voiced support for the PRC’s treatment of its Uyghur population and the Indicator warrants a 4 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Skip Indicator" evidence="Hyperlink if possible">
    Follow [Skipping Indicators](#skipping-indicators).
  </ResponseOption>
</div>

**\[Foreign Policy Indicator #10]**\
“My government has supported, remained silent about, or opposed the PRC's treatment, governance, or policy toward the Tibet population.”

<div className="response-options">
  <ResponseOption score="0" title="My country has denounced the PRC" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, the Index country has denounced the PRC’s treatment of its Tibet population and the Indicator warrants a 0 score.”

    **Sample response**

    > “In 2022, the government of country X signed on to a letter presented by several countries to the United Nations General Assembly that denounced the PRC’s treatment of citizens in Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. Therefore, the Index country has denounced the PRC’s treatment of its Tibet population and the Indicator warrants a 0 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="2" title="My country has remained silent">
    **Response text**

    > “No evidence can be found of the Index country taking a definitive position regarding this Indicator. Therefore, the Index country has remained silent regarding the PRC’s treatment of its Tibet population and the Indicator warrants a 2 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="4" title="My country has voiced support for PRC’s stance" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, the Index country has voiced support for the PRC’s treatment of its Tibet population and the Indicator warrants a 4 score.”

    **Sample response**

    > “In a meeting with China’s Foreign Minister in Country X, representatives of Country X stated that all matters related to Tibet were the PRC’s “internal affairs” that should be free from “foreign interference.” Therefore, the Index country has voiced support for the PRC’s treatment of its Tibet population and the Indicator warrants a 4 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Skip Indicator" evidence="Hyperlink if possible">
    Follow [Skipping Indicators](#skipping-indicators).
  </ResponseOption>
</div>

**\[Foreign Policy Indicator #11]**\
“My government has supported, remained silent about, or opposed the PRC's ongoing repression in Hong Kong, such as the imposition of the National Security Law or other actions to persecute Hong Kong protestors or activists.”

<div className="response-options">
  <ResponseOption score="0" title="My country has denounced the PRC" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, the Index country has denounced the PRC’s ongoing repression in Hong Kong and the Indicator warrants a 0 score.”

    **Sample response**

    > “Country X was among 39 countries mentioned by EU representative Y as opposing the PRC’s imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong. Therefore, the Index country has denounced the PRC’s ongoing repression in Hong Kong and the Indicator warrants a 0 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="2" title="My country has remained silent">
    **Response text**

    > “No evidence can be found of the Index country taking a definitive position regarding this Indicator. Therefore, the Index country has remained silent regarding the PRC’s ongoing repression in Hong Kong and the Indicator warrants a 2 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="4" title="My country has voiced support for PRC’s stance" evidence="Hyperlink required">
    **Response text**

    > “\[1 - 2 sentences of explanation]. Therefore, the Index country has voiced support for the PRC’s ongoing repression in Hong Kong and the Indicator warrants a 4 score.”

    **Sample response**

    > “In 2022, the government of country X sent a letter to the UN Human Rights Council stating that China’s policies towards Hong Kong were “China’s internal affairs.” Therefore, the Index country has voiced support for the PRC’s ongoing repression in Hong Kong and the Indicator warrants a 4 score.”
  </ResponseOption>

  <ResponseOption score="Skip" title="Skip Indicator" evidence="Hyperlink if possible">
    Follow [Skipping Indicators](#skipping-indicators).
  </ResponseOption>
</div>


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