China's economy grew by 4.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, matching forecasts but slowing from 5.2 per cent in the previous quarter, marking its weakest expansion in a year as sluggish domestic demand increased reliance on manufacturing and exports. Quarterly growth reached 1.1 per cent, slightly above the forecast of 0.8 per cent. Despite the slowdown, the economy remains broadly on track to meet the government's annual target of around 5 per cent. According to Reuters, China's continued dependence on external demand has heightened concerns over structural imbalances and raised doubts about Beijing's ability to transition toward sustainable, consumption-led growth amid escalating trade tensions with Washington. Analysts noted that persistent weakness in consumer confidence, investment, and the property sector continues to weigh on recovery prospects. The figures come ahead of planned talks between Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Malaysia, and a possible meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in South Korea. Attribution: Reuters
