China's economic landscape demonstrated resilience in the first half of 2025, with official data revealing a 5.2% year-on-year GDP growth during a pivotal State Council Information Office press conference. Deputy Commissioner Sheng Laiyun of the National Bureau of Statistics highlighted "targeted policy measures" as key drivers of stability in manufacturing and consumer sectors.
Key Economic Indicators
Industrial output rose 6.1% while retail sales grew 4.8%, signaling balanced recovery. The services sector expanded by 7.3%, led by digital economy innovations. Foreign trade reached $2.8 trillion despite currency fluctuations, with ASEAN remaining China's largest trading partner.
Innovation-Driven Development
Sheng emphasized progress in semiconductor production and renewable energy infrastructure, noting a 22% increase in electric vehicle exports. Over 800,000 new tech SMEs registered nationwide, with Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Yangtze River Delta regions leading innovation clusters.
Cross-Strait Economic Ties
Investment from the Taiwan region in the Chinese mainland surged 18% year-on-year, particularly in Fujian's integrated circuit and biomedicine parks. Sheng reaffirmed commitments to "shared development opportunities" across the Taiwan Strait.
Challenges Ahead
Officials acknowledged pressures from sluggish global demand and pledged enhanced support for SMEs. The urban unemployment rate held steady at 5.1%, with youth employment initiatives showing early results.
