China: China's economy maintains steady momentum in first seven months.

【Voice_over】 This year, China’s industrial production continued to grow at a solid pace. The National Bureau of Statistics says industrial output rose 5.3 percent year on year in the first seven months. Equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing both grew faster than the overall industrial sector. Production of 3D printers, lithium-ion batteries and industrial robots also posted strong growth. 【Sound_bite】 Fu Linghui, Spokesperson and Chief Economist, National Bureau of Statistics: "China’s economic vitality is being seen in three main areas: industrial upgrading, digital transformation, and foreign trade growth. Innovation is playing a bigger role in driving growth, while industrial upgrading is gaining momentum." 【Voice_over】 Foreign trade also remained strong. China’s imports and exports of goods grew more than 17 percent, supported by its complete industrial system and improving product quality. Prices remained broadly stable, with the consumer price index, or CPI, up 0.9 percent year on year. 【Sound_bite】 Fu Linghui, Spokesperson and Chief Economist, National Bureau of Statistics: "Overall, the national economy remained stable in the first seven months, while continuing to move toward higher-quality growth. But we also need to recognize that the external environment remains complex and volatile. Domestically, weak demand remains a challenge, some businesses are facing difficulties, and the foundation for a steady recovery still needs to be strengthened." 【Voice_over】 The spokesperson says geopolitical tensions and global energy market uncertainty are adding to the pressure. Extreme weather at home has also disrupted supply and demand in some regions. But stronger policy support has helped keep the economy on a steady footing, while new sources of growth continue to gain momentum. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]