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Chinese official says economy resilient but recovery momentum remains weak

By Thomson Reuters Oct 19, 2026 | 10:34 PM

BEIJING, Oct 20 (Reuters) – China’s economy has withstood pressure and continues to expand steadily, but the ​recovery foundation and momentum ‌are relatively weak, an economic official at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) told a press conference on Tuesday.

The comments ‌were ​made following the ⁠release of better-than-expected economic ⁠growth data for the third quarter on Monday, as roaring exports offset consumers’ tight grip on ​their wallets.

• The impact of external shocks is deepening, while ⁠a mismatch between strong ⁠supply and weak demand ​at home remains pronounced, said Zuo Gang, ​deputy director for the Department ‌of National Economic Comprehensive Affairs at the NDRC, which is the country’s top economic planner.

• Divergence across ⁠industries is also evident, and the foundation and the momentum for a sustained economic ⁠recovery ‌remain weak, he added.

• ⁠The NDRC is drafting an ​implementation ‌plan for the strategy ​to expand ⁠domestic demand for 2026-2030 and will accelerate efforts to issue and implement it, Zuo said.

(Reporting by Ellen Zhang and Kevin Yao; Editing by ​Christian Schmollinger)