China posts forecast-beating 5.3% growth in first quarter
China's economy grew far more than expected in the first quarter of 2024, data showed Tuesday, even as it continues to be buffeted by a property-sector crisis and flagging consumer activity. For January-March, gross domestic product (GDP) reached 29.6 trillion yuan ($4 trillion) - an increase of 5.3 percent, compared with 5.2 in the previous quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics said.