Xi seeks to allay fears for Chinese economy

China's economy is on course to expand by 5% in 2025, according to its president, Xi Jinping, meeting official growth targets and rebutting concerns that Donald Trump's incoming US administration will harm Beijing's prospects in the new year.

- Phillip Inman

Using his annual address to the nation, Xi sought to allay fears that the world's second-largest economy would falter over the next 12 months after the government battled to prevent a slide to recession during 2024.

Xi said China's economy was "overall stable and progressing". He said risks in important areas were effectively addressed, while employment and prices remained steady.