China's economic performance remained robust across demand and supply fronts in the Jan-April period, said China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) spokeswoman Li Chao on Tuesday.
From January to April, retail sales surged to 16.2 trillion yuan (more than 2.2 trillion U.S. dollars) , up 4.7 percent year on year, outpacing last year's growth by 1.2 percentage points.
Live-streaming sales and instant delivery services fueled a 5.8 percent rise in online retail sales in the first four months.
Despite external pressures, in April alone, lithium batteries and new energy vehicles export soared over 44 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
High-tech manufacturing also surged last month, with a near 200 percent spike in server production and a 51.5 percent increase in industrial robot output. The IT sector remained vibrant, signaling rapid growth in new quality productive forces.
Authorities acknowledged persistent external uncertainties, but emphasized upcoming measures to stabilize employment and the economy, with most policies set to take effect by late June.
"We are accelerating the rollout of measures to stabilize employment and economy to promote high-quality development. Currently, relevant departments are working to implement these policies, with most expected to take effect by the end of June. Additionally, we will maintain a regular, open-ended approach to policy advanced research and reserve, continuously improving the policy toolkit for stabilizing employment and economy to ensure timely introduction and implementation when needed," Li said at a press conference.
China's economy shows resilience, with steady growth in April: NDRC
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is ready to completely withdraw from the governmental scene in the Gaza Strip and engage in a positive and constructive manner with the second phase of the plan to end the war in the enclave, said Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim on Friday. In a statement, Naim said that the ceasefire deal became an international plan after being adopted by the United Nations Security Council. However, it is now facing obstacles.
He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reneging on his commitments and escalating the situation, in an attempt to return to war and save his political career. Pointing out that Israeli strikes have caused hundreds of casualties since the announcement of the ceasefire, the Hamas official said the escalation cannot occur without cover or green light from the United States. He said Hamas has committed to all its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, as attested by the mediators and the U.S., adding that it is ready for the second phase of the agreement.
He emphasized the Movement's commitment to the establishment of a fully empowered Palestinian body to administer Gaza, and its complete withdrawal from the governmental scene.
Naim warned that the situation will not be sustainable if the continued escalation of Israeli military operations and the persistence of the catastrophic humanitarian situation remain unaddressed, adding that the circle of fire may expand, which is what Netanyahu aspires to.
Since a ceasefire took effect on Oct 10, 2025, Gaza's death toll has risen to 439 with 1,223 injuries, according to local health authorities on Friday. Rescue teams have recovered 688 bodies during that period. In the broader conflict, at least 71,409 Palestinians have been killed and 171,304 wounded since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023.
Hamas ready for complete withdrawal from Gaza governmental scene: official
