Despite the poor performance, official data reported a 5.9 percent year-over-year growth for March, causing eyebrows to raise among many Chinese netizens.
The low flow of visitors and early pack-ups at a Chinese trade fair reveal how new U.S. tariffs are putting pressure on Chinese exporters and factory jobs.
Beijing’s escalating trade fight with Washington threatens to deepen its economic woes, but backing down risks the CCP’s hold on power, according to analysts.