China's economic growth edges down in latest quarter
BEIJING (AP) — China's economic growth stayed relatively stable in the latest quarter, buoyed by strength in retail spending and exports and giving the ruling Communist Party a political boost as it prepares to appoint President Xi Jinping to a new term as leader.
Growth edged down to a still-robust 6.8 percent compared with a year earlier in the three months ending in September, down marginally from the previous quarter's 6.9 percent, government data showed Thursday.
Economic growth has been unexpectedly strong this year, but forecasters say activity will weaken as Beijing tightens controls on bank lending to cool a rise in debt.