World Bank ups forecast for growth

Demand, external factors said to buoy expansion in 2017 and 2018

The World Bank on Wednesday raised China's growth forecast for 2017 and 2018, citing an improved external environment and strong domestic demand.

The bank now expects China's economy to expand by 6.7 percent in 2017, up from an April projection of 6.5 percent and, for 2018, 6.4 percent instead of 6.3 percent.