Growth is faltering and exports are threatened by increased protectionism, so Beijing is finally looking to its massive pool of consumers to generate growth.

Gross domestic product is forecast to have grown 4.5 percent year-on-year in April-June

China's Q2 2026 GDP growth missed expectations, putting its 5% annual target at risk and raising questions about whether Beijing will unleash stimulus.

By Zhang Chenxu, Zhou Lanxu and Yin Mingyue |

China's 4.3% GDP growth raises concerns over real estate, consumption, and employment challenges, prompting potential government policy shifts.