China's Q1 GDP beats expectations to grow 5% but Iran war dampens outlook
China's economy grew 5% in Q1 2026, up from 4.5% in the previous three months. This comes on the back of resilient exports and strong industrial output. While Beijing said this showed greater resilience and vitality, it also warned of a more complex and volatile external environment. Analysts say China may be insulated from the immediate impact of the Iran war, but higher oil prices could weigh on external demand in the long run. China has set its GDP growth target for this year between 4.5% and 5%. But the IMF has cut the country's growth forecast to 4.4% this year. Tan Si Hui reports.
China's economy grew 5% in Q1 2026, up from 4.5% in the previous three months. This comes on the back of resilient exports and strong industrial output. While Beijing said this showed greater resilience and vitality, it also warned of a more complex and volatile external environment. Analysts say China may be insulated from the immediate impact of the Iran war, but higher oil prices could weigh on external demand in the long run. China has set its GDP growth target for this year between 4.5% and 5%. But the IMF has cut the country's growth forecast to 4.4% this year. Tan Si Hui reports.