On 19 August this year, China's State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council released results of a performance appraisal of the nation's state-owned enterprises. This performance assessment used annual profit and return on equity as primary standards, with allowances made for cost differences between sectors. Out of 179 companies, thirteen were below standard, including four that failed completely. As a result of this survey, media attention was turned toward the question of the SASAC's purpose and function.