Government data shows gross domestic product growth slowed in the second quarter from earlier in the year, even though it rose over the same period in 2022.
The economy grew 4.5 percent in the first three months of the year, a pickup from the end of 2022, when the relaxation of pandemic prevention measures led to a wave of illness.
New government data shows that growth for the year fell far short of Beijing’s goal. With Covid curbs lifted but the pandemic’s course uncertain, hope and fear cloud the forecast.