As Beijing and Washington gear up for high-stakes talks in Sweden this month, the Chinese mainlandās economy is showing remarkable resilience in the face of U.S. tariffs and global uncertainties.
Recent data reveal that in the first half of 2025, GDP on the Chinese mainland rose by 5.3 percent year on year, topping market expectations. Far from being a one-off spike, this growth highlights the structural adaptability of an economy undergoing transformation and upgrading.
Domestic demand played a leading role, contributing nearly 69 percent to overall GDP growth. Programs to upgrade large-scale equipment and trade in consumer goods have fueled spending. From January to May, the consumer goods trade-in initiative alone generated 1.1 trillion yuan (around $153 billion) in salesāsurpassing full-year 2024 figures and pushing retail sales up 5 percent year on year in the past six months.
Meanwhile, trade diversification has softened the impact of Western protectionism. While trade with some Western economies dipped, exchanges with Belt and Road partners rose 4.7 percent, ASEAN by 9.6 percent, the European Union by 3.5 percent, and African nations by a striking 14.4 percent in the first half of the year.
The Chinese mainlandās steady performance is sending ripples across global markets. As a key driver of international growth, its stability bolsters confidence amid geopolitical tensions. A recent U.S.-China Business Council report found that 82 percent of American companies operating on the mainland were profitable in 2024, underscoring the marketās enduring appeal despite trade headwinds.
With the upcoming Beijing-Washington talks set to tackle outstanding issues, the Chinese mainlandās ability to sustain growth, adapt to evolving landscapes, and engage in constructive dialogue signals a future of shared opportunities and mutual advancement.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
