China's economy grows 4.5 pc in Q3 as AI-driven exports offset weak domestic demand

The Chinese economy grew 4.5% in the third quarter of 2026. The growth is fuelled by global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, helping the economy offset weak domestic consumption and a deepening property market crisis. The development comes after a weak second quarter, which saw its growth shrink to 4.3%. However, sluggish domestic household spending and investment bring doubt about the sustainability of the trend.