Amid global economic turbulence, a recent CGTN poll reveals 89.3% of respondents view China's economic stability as increasingly vital, with 85.1% advocating for expanded cooperation with the world's second-largest economy. The findings, drawn from 5,242 participants across 24 hours, underscore growing international confidence in China's role as a stabilizing force.
Growth Defies Global Headwinds
China's first-quarter GDP growth of 5% in 2026 outpaces the IMF's revised 3.1% global forecast, achieving the upper limit of its annual target. This performance during the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) comes as retail service sales grew 5.5% year-on-year, while high-tech manufacturing contributed 32.6% to industrial growth.
Consumption and Innovation Drive Transition
With 86.9% of poll respondents noting rapid unlocking of consumer potential through visa reforms and diversified consumption scenarios, China's economy shows marked shifts. Nearly 85% recognize technology-led transformation, as equipment manufacturing and high-tech sectors gained 1.4% and 1.2% shares respectively in industrial output.
Open Markets Anchor Global Trade
First-quarter trade exceeding 11 trillion yuan ($1.6 trillion), up 15% year-on-year, reinforces China's global integration. Major trade fairs like the Canton Fair continue attracting foreign enterprises, with 81.2% of respondents affirming the Chinese market's unique competitiveness despite protectionist trends.
