Chinese state firm employee Zhang Jinming makes up for a 24% cut to his salary by delivering food for three hours every night after work and on weekends - and hopes he can avoid awkward encounters with colleagues.

American companies in China are reporting record-low investment plans and declining confidence in profits this year.

The rate, which slightly exceeded the 5.1 per cent average estimate from analysts polled by Reuters, positions Beijing to hit its full-year target of about 5 per cent. It shows how China has been able to keep growth on track through exports and investment even as it struggles with weak demand at home.

China's trade surplus surged in June, which analysts have attributed to exporters rushing to ship products before U.S. tariffs recommence.

From Chinese economy beating forecasts to Australian prime minister’s visit to China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

In the first half of the year, the world's second-largest economy expanded by 5.3 percent, the NBS said Tuesday.

China’s Q2 GDP growth met government targets at 5.2% YoY, but the recovery remains uneven beneath the headline numbers. High-tech manufacturing and services are driving growth, while real estate and retail sectors continue to struggle, highlighting structural challenges.

The Chinese economy cooled in the second quarter, but growth was in line with expectations despite pressure from U.S. tariffs.