China's economic performance showed resilience in August 2025, with key indicators pointing to sustained recovery in manufacturing and consumer sectors, according to official data released at a State Council Information Office press conference. Fu Linghui, chief economist at the National Bureau of Statistics, emphasized "coordinated policy effectiveness" as industrial output grew 5.2% year-on-year while inflation remained stable at 2.1%.
Sectoral Growth and Challenges
Advanced manufacturing output rose 8.7%, led by new energy vehicles and AI-driven industrial systems. However, Fu noted persistent challenges including rising energy costs and supply chain adjustments affecting cross-strait economic cooperation with Taiwan-based manufacturers.
Global Economic Context
While responding to international media queries, Fu highlighted China's role as "an anchor of stability" amid fluctuating global markets. The services sector expanded 6.3%, with tourism revenue recovering to 98% of pre-pandemic levels ahead of the October National Day holiday period.
Investment Trends
Fixed-asset investment grew 4.8%, with notable increases in:
Smart infrastructure projects (12.3%)
Agricultural modernization (7.6%)
Cross-strait tech collaborations (9.1%)
Analysts suggest the data indicates cautious optimism for Q3 growth, with particular attention on upcoming policies supporting innovation-driven development.
