The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

China's export growth slowed in March as manufacturers grappled with surging energy costs, with the Iran war disrupting supplies, while imports jumped more than expected.

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

Beijing had lowered its growth target this year to a range of 4.5% to 5%, the least ambitious goal on record going back to the early 1990s.