China's economy grew 5% last year, matching the government's target, but in a lopsided fashion, with many people complaining of worsening living standards as Beijing struggles to transfer its industrial and export gains to consumers.

China has reported that its economy expanded at a 5% annual pace in 2024, slower than the year before but still hitting Beijing’s target of “around 5%” growth

Analysts say they see signs of malaise in China’s domestic economy, but those problems were offset mainly by robust exports and a $1 trillion trade surplus.

By Clare Jim, Ziyi Tang, Kane Wu HONG KONG (Reuters) -After numerous measures to resolve a liquidity crisis in the property market in recent years, Beijing is expected to end up dusting off an old playbook and step in directly to stabilise a state-backed developer seen as a bellwether for the sector.

Beijing hit its GDP growth target of 5 percent in 2024, according to its statistics bureau—but deflationary pressures remain.

Chinese people on the streets of Beijing said Monday they were keeping expectations low ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump, as his second White House stint could push China-US ties into a new era of uncertainty.

The low-altitude economy in China has flourished in recent years, with an increase in drone manufacturers and expanded applications. The Civil Aviation Administration of China estimates that the country's low-altitude market will reach 1.5 trillion yuan (about $209 billion) in 2025 and as much as 3.5 trillion yuan in 2035.

China is one of the most populous countries in the world, surpassed only by India. By the end of 2023, China boasted a population of about 1.4 billion people. Although this marked the country's second year of population decline,

China's development model is at a crossroads, with a choice between much higher spending on pensions and healthcare or industrial upgrades and urbanization.

China's leaders are bracing for potential shocks to the economy from higher tariffs once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

China has reported that its economy expanded at a 5% annual pace in 2024, achieving Beijing's target of "around 5%" growth helped by strong exports and recent stimulus measures.