China’s first quarter growth unexpectedly steadies, but too early to call clear recovery, say analysts

Beijing, Apr 17: China's economy beat forecasts as growth remained steady in the first quarter despite tepid global demand, a US trade war and a debt battle, official data showed on Wednesday. The world's second largest economy expanded by 6.4 percent in the January to March period, faster than the 6.3 percent forecast by economists in an AFP poll, according to official gross domestic product figures from the National Bureau of Statistics.

The rate is well faster than most nations can dream of and it shows China's economy has steadied after decelerating every quarter of last year.

"The national economy enjoyed stable performance with growing positive factors, and stronger market expectation and confidence," said NBS spokesman Mao Shengyong in prepared remarks.