PONE-D-23-10690The geographical pension gap: Understanding the causes of inequality in China's pension fundsPLOS ONE

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: No

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: No

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: No

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: No

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5. Review Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: I am pleased to have the opportunity to review this research paper titled: The geographical pension gap: Understanding the causes of inequality in China's pension funds. This study attempted to explore the the causes of inequality in China's pension funds.

The paper demonstrates an adequate understanding of the relevant literature in the field and cites an appropriate range of literature sources related to the study itself. The paper clearly express its case, measured against the technical language of the field and the expected Knowledge of the journal's readership.

The article flows well and puts the reader into the context of the subject. The aim and objective are well explained and result from the gaps in the subject. The methodology is well explained and enables replication, while the results and conclusions triangulate with the rest of the paper and are well discussed, highlighting some practical implications.

I believe this paper can be published as is and adds value to literature already published in this field.

Reviewer #2: China has seen a sharp reduction of poverty, but also a substantial increase of inequality. As the result of more than two decades of rapid economic growth in China, millions have been lifted out of poverty, resulting in an

impressive decline in the poverty . I will urge authors to write more about literature and focus on the gap.

Kindly elaborate more about research methodology .

Discussion part is not satisfactory.

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Reviewer #1: Yes: Simon Grima

Reviewer #2: Yes: Kiran Sood

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The geographical pension gap: Understanding the causes of inequality in China's pension funds

PONE-D-23-10690R1

Dear Dr. Huilin Wang,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Ercan Özen, PhD

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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