China's economy expanded five per cent year-on-year in the first quarter, reported Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics. The figure surpassed market expectations despite global uncertainty linked to the US-Israel war in Iran.

The GDP growth rate released Thursday by the NBS beat the 4.86 per cent forecast by economists polled by financial data provider Wind. It also accelerated from the 4.5 per cent recorded in the final quarter of 2025, which had been the weakest quarterly performance in three years.

Analysts said the stronger-than-expected result signals a solid start to 2026. Ding Shuang, chief economist for Greater China and North Asia at Standard Chartered, noted Beijing is unlikely to introduce immediate policy measures given the robust showing.