China economy under pressure as trade war escalates

Beijing

CHINA'S economic activity disappointed in April just as the United States announced a new round of tariffs on Chinese exports last week, pointing to a challenging second quarter for the world's second-largest economy.

Chinese economic activity lost steam last month after a solid first quarter, statistics showed on Wednesday, with a weaker-than-expected manufacturing sector, adding pressure on the government to ramp up support for the slowing economy.