Economy plowing ahead despite strong headwinds

For those who are concerned about China's economic well-being, the first half-year figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday may not be enough to relieve them of their worries, especially given the ongoing trade conflict with the United States and weakening global demand.

After all, a 6.2 percent growth in the second quarter - although still within the government's target range of 6-6.5 percent for the year - was the weakest in nearly three decades.

This, together with lukewarm trade readings released on Friday - exports fell 1.3 percent in June from a year earlier and imports dropped 7.3 percent - suggests economic conditions are still severe and, with external uncertainties on the rise, the economy "is under new downward pressure", as NBS spokesman Mao Shengyong said at a news conference.