China's recovery sputters as consumption, output lose steam

Still, Fu was confident the recent weather would not rain on policymakers' ambitions to see the $20 trillion economy grow by between 4.5% and 5%, stating that the foundation remained solid.

Robust exports, buoyed by the global AI infrastructure buildout, have continued to support China's factories. But weak domestic demand remains a major risk that leaves the economy vulnerable to shocks such as weather disruptions and trade barriers.

China logged another month of more than $100 billion in trade surplus last month, with the full-year total on track to top $1 trillion for a second year.

That has continued to unnerve trading partners, with the European Union weighing tougher measures to curb its trade deficit with China, and the U.S. announcing new tariffs on Chinese goods.

China's leaders pledged to shore up the slowing economy by accelerating fiscal spending and introducing new policies "in a timely manner", but have so far stopped short of signalling major new stimulus measures.