Keep recovery on track

China's stronger-than-expected growth in the second quarter highlights both the resilience of the economy and the efficacy of the massive stimulus plan.

The Chinese authorities certainly deserve credit for their swift and smart policy responses to the worst global recession in many decades. But they should be cautious about putting too much faith in hopes of a sustained recovery before the world economy shows firm signs of revival. Latest statistics indicate that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth rebounded from 6.1 percent in the first quarter - the lowest in about a decade - to 7.9 percent in the second quarter, laying a solid foundation for meeting the year's target of 8 percent.

While most other countries are still looking for green shoots, such a strong rebound in the world's third largest economy is particularly inspiring. It shows that, after being pulled down by the global export slump for a while, the Chinese economy is quickly getting back on track to assume its role as an increasingly important growth engine for the world economy.