Expansion slows to a 6-year low

Service industry's contribution higher than industrial sector's, 'showing obvious economic structural changes'

China's economic growth fell to a six-year low of 7 percent in the first quarter, buffeted by sharp declines in industrial production and real estate construction.

The lowest GDP reading since the 2008 global financial crisis has reached the "bottom line" that the leadership says it can tolerate, economists said.