China's economy grew a forecast-beating 6.8 per cent in the first quarter, official data showed Tuesday, overcoming Beijing's battle on financial risk and pollution and trade tensions with the US.
The world's number two economy exceeded the 6.7 per cent growth forecast by analysts surveyed by AFP, and equalled the fourth quarter performance.
"The national economy maintained the momentum of steady and sound development," said Xing Zhihong, a spokesman for the National Statistics Bureau.
"The economic performance continued to improve and the economy was off to a good start."