Steering the economy toward new and positive growth amid external volatility: China Daily editorial

China's economic resilience is built on the country's capacity to adapt, innovate and generate new development momentum, as reflected in the latest economic figures that show not merely steady growth but an encouraging acceleration in the transition toward innovation-driven, high-quality development.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday show that China's gross domestic product expanded 4.6 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters, reaching 107.11 trillion yuan ($15.94 trillion).

Quarterly year-on-year growth accelerated from 4.3 percent in the second quarter to 4.5 percent in the third, following a 5.0 percent expansion in the first quarter. The recovery in growth momentum underscores the economy's capacity to withstand pressure and sustain development despite a complex international environment.

Behind these figures lies a structural transformation that is increasingly shaping China's economic future. Equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing have emerged as important pillars of growth. During the first nine months, industrial robot output surged 29.1 percent year-on-year, while production of 3D printing equipment and lithium-ion batteries jumped 62.5 percent and 39.5 percent, respectively.

These growth rates illustrate how technological innovation is being translated into productive capacity, enabling Chinese enterprises to move up the global value chain and cultivate new growth drivers. The broader economy has also demonstrated considerable stability. Value added by major industrial enterprises increased 5.3 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters, while the service sector expanded 5.2 percent. Foreign trade rose 18.8 percent year-on-year to nearly 40 trillion yuan during the same period, highlighting the country's integration into global markets.

Together, these indicators reflect an economy maintaining overall stability while improving its quality of development. As the world's second-largest economy, China serves as an important source of opportunities, innovation and predictability for international markets.

The ongoing 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, offers an illustration of this. Over seven decades, the fair has evolved from exhibiting traditional agricultural products to today's showcase for artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and green technologies. Its transformation mirrors China's own journey from manufacturing expansion toward innovation-led development.

At a time when protectionism and economic fragmentation threaten global growth, China's experience indicates that market connectivity, rather than artificial barriers, provides a more sustainable path toward shared prosperity.

The country is now a major trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions. Its expanding market, increasingly sophisticated industries and firm commitment to opening-up continue to create opportunities for enterprises worldwide.

That was reaffirmed on Sunday when Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng met members of the international advisory committee of China Investment Corporation, emphasizing China's determination to advance high-standard opening-up and deepen financial reform during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period.

The plan is not simply a blueprint for China's own modernization over the five years; it is an opportunity list for the world. China's pursuit of high-quality development will generate new demand, new industries and new markets that benefit economies far beyond its borders. From high-tech manufacturing and AI to green development, the digital economy and scientific innovation, China's industrial upgrading will create fresh opportunities for other economies.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. Domestic demand, external volatility and structural pressures all mean the foundation for sustained economic improvement still requires further consolidation.

Addressing these difficulties calls for more effective macroeconomic policies, stronger domestic consumption, continued industrial upgrading and reforms that stimulate market vitality while safeguarding people's livelihoods and national security.

By boosting sustainable growth through innovation and pursuing high-quality development through reform and opening-up, China can strengthen its economic foundations while contributing greater stability and more opportunities to an uncertain world.