China's economy expanded by 4.8 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2024, marking its weakest performance in a year.
Official data released on Monday highlighted ongoing challenges in the property sector and escalating trade frictions with the United States.
The growth rate, down from 5.2 percent in the second quarter, underscores the economy's heavy reliance on exports amid subdued domestic demand.
Beijing has maintained a target of around 5 percent growth for the year, supported by government incentives and a recent trade truce that has since frayed.
The National Bureau of Statistics described the economy as demonstrating strong resilience and vitality despite external pressures.
Key drivers included a 6.5 percent rise in industrial output, fueled by advancements in 3D printing, robotics, and electric vehicles.
The service sector also expanded, with growth in IT support, consultancies, transport, and logistics.
Exports surged 8.4 percent in September, offsetting sluggish consumer spending, while imports similarly increased.
However, retail sales decelerated to a 10-month low of 3.0 percent, reflecting weak domestic confidence.
New home prices fell at the fastest pace in 11 months, exacerbating concerns over household wealth.
Real estate investment plunged 13.9 percent in the first nine months, a sector that comprises about one-third of the economy and vital local government revenues.
Economists warn that without bolder measures to bolster consumption, growth could dip below 4.8 percent this year.
Tensions reignited when China imposed controls on rare earth exports, critical for global electronics production, disrupting the fragile U.S. trade ceasefire.
President Donald Trump responded with threats of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans meetings with Chinese officials in Malaysia this week to de-escalate and pave the way for a Trump-Xi summit.
Despite a 27 percent drop in U.S.-bound exports, China diversified successfully, with shipments to the European Union up 14 percent, Southeast Asia 15.6 percent, and Africa 56.4 percent.
Fixed-asset investment contracted 0.5 percent in the first nine months, signaling potential for accelerated infrastructure spending.
This week's Communist Party gathering will outline the next five-year plan, likely emphasizing technological upgrades and industrial priorities alongside pledges to stimulate demand.
Analysts note that shifting toward household-led growth could ease global trade strains, though Beijing shows no signs of easing industrial ambitions.
Overall, January-to-September growth stood at 5.2 percent, keeping the annual target in sight but highlighting structural risks.