Easing on hold as outlook improves

Forecast: GDP expected to continue rising at 6.9% in second half of year

Positive expectations for China's economic growth in the second half of the year have consolidated the central bank's determination to refrain from monetary easing, but prevention of risk will be a priority.

GDP growth, which was 6.9 percent in the first six months, is expected to continue at the same pace in the second half, as recent data show a strengthening trend, Zhou Xiaochuan, the central bank governor, said over the weekend at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting in Washington, DC.