China's economy grew at its slowest pace since 2009 in the first quarter, increasing pressure on the central government to roll out stimulus measures.
Gross domestic product expanded by 7% in the first three months of 2015, compared to the same period last year, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics.
The strength of China's economy is often difficult to judge at the beginning of the year because of the Lunar New Year holiday. But recent data on manufacturing activity and exports have disappointed, and analysts expect slower growth going forward.
The downturn is putting additional pressure on the central government as it works to transition China to a consumption-led economy.
Policymakers are also trying to avoid a sudden slowdown in economic growth, which could cause unemployment to surge and consumption to lag.
Experts say a downturn in China's real estate sector is the single biggest risk to the economy, which relies on the industry to boost growth and for new jobs. Other challenges include ballooning government and corporate debt.
Related Stories
