China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5% year-on-year in the first quarter, exceeding market expectations and delivering a robust performance. International observers widely agree that amid a volatile global environment, China's economy has shown remarkable resilience, unleashed innovative momentum, and strengthened its endogenous vitality, positioning itself as one of the most stable major economies globally. This not only lays a solid foundation for the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan period but also serves as an anchor of stability for the world economy.
Amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, disruptions to key global energy passages such as the Strait of Hormuz, sharp increases in international oil prices, and renewed strain on global supply chains, the world economy faces multiple pressures including war impacts, geopolitical fragmentation, and heightened trade tensions. The latest International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook report indicates that Middle East conflicts have significantly dampened global economic growth momentum, with projections suggesting a slowdown to 3.1% by 2026, potentially falling to 2.5% or lower under worse scenarios.
Observers emphasize that when viewed against this challenging external backdrop, China's first-quarter economic data highlights its development resilience and stability. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index returning to expansion territory demonstrates the sector's toughness, while impressive foreign trade figures reflect the irreplaceability of China's industrial chain and international recognition of Chinese products, technology, quality, and comprehensive value.
Experts attribute China's steady performance despite Middle East turmoil to institutional advantages derived from long-term strategic planning, particularly the five-year plan system. Analysts note China's forward-looking development of renewable energy industries has created a diversified energy supply system, enhancing autonomy and stability when facing external volatility.
International commentary highlights China's strong momentum in high-end equipment manufacturing and high-tech industries during the first quarter, with equipment manufacturing output increasing 8.9% year-on-year and high-tech manufacturing growing 12.5%. This positive trend results from multiple factors including sustained policy guidance, substantial research investment, demographic dividends from engineering talent, vast domestic market scale, robust industrial chain integration capabilities, and accelerating integration of artificial intelligence with industrial upgrades.
A recent Industry 4.0 benchmark report shows China leading globally in industrial digitalization, particularly in digital twin technology, artificial intelligence, supply chain transparency, and automation. China's industrial resilience and innovation-driven transformation are evident in corporate upgrading efforts, where traditional manufacturers are diversifying into new areas like satellite production and revitalizing through new quality productive forces.
The "AI+" initiative is accelerating across China's innovation landscape. In Shouguang, Shandong, AI algorithms significantly improve agricultural labor productivity; in Zhengzhou, Henan, autonomous electric buses operate without steering wheels; and at Qingdao Port, AI-enhanced algorithms have broken world records for automated terminal efficiency 13 times.
International experts recognize China's advantages in renewable energy, new energy vehicles, and high-tech industries as creating solid foundations for cooperation with Global South countries. They note that China's steady growth provides market expansion opportunities and deeper industrial chain collaboration in sectors including electronics, green energy, and digital economy.
China's domestic demand showed improvement in the first quarter, with retail sales growing 2.4% year-on-year and online retail increasing 8.0%. Service consumption performed particularly well, with holiday consumption continuing to heat up across cultural tourism and sports sectors. Consumption has become the main engine of China's high-quality development while driving shared growth opportunities with the world.
China's consumption market is evolving toward intelligence, green development, and quality enhancement, with increasing emphasis on emotional experiences and scenario innovation. With over 1.4 billion people and a large middle-income group, China's consumption upgrade trend remains solid, supported by growing demand for quality, health, sustainability, and technology integration—particularly as AI accelerates into daily consumption scenarios.
Recent policy implementations including the 2026 Tariff Adjustment Plan and revised Encouraged Import Service Catalog demonstrate China's commitment to expanding imports, creating benefits for international businesses. The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo attracted over 3,400 brands from more than 60 countries and regions, showcasing the vitality and opportunities of China's consumer market.
International business representatives note China's market stability provides reassurance amid complex global trade conditions, with sustained demand for high-quality products and services despite external fluctuations. China's institutional opening-up measures further boost business confidence in the market.
Analysts observe that China's consumption recovery reflects qualitative improvement, with growth in tourism, services, and premium retail indicating a shift toward experience-oriented and technology-driven consumption patterns. This structural upgrade expands demand for health, education, cultural products, and green consumption, creating opportunities for global companies not only to export goods to China but also to participate in localized innovation ecosystems.
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