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BEIJING/SINGAPORE—China’s economy picked up speed early in 2026, riding an export surge before the Iran war sent energy costs soaring and put global demand—vital to Beijing’s growth ambitions—at risk.
The 5.0 percent year-on-year pace in the first quarter sits at the top of China’s full-year target range of 4.5–5.0 percent, highlighting a resilience that sets it apart from much of Asia, helped by ample strategic oil reserves and a diversified energy mix.
Yet the Middle East conflict lays bare a core vulnerability: an export-led growth model that delivers annual trade surpluses the size of the Dutch economy depends on open sea lanes—for China and for the customers it sells to….
The 5.0 percent year-on-year pace in the first quarter sits at the top of China’s full-year target range of 4.5–5.0 percent, highlighting a resilience that sets it apart from much of Asia, helped by ample strategic oil reserves and a diversified energy mix.
Yet the Middle East conflict lays bare a core vulnerability: an export-led growth model that delivers annual trade surpluses the size of the Dutch economy depends on open sea lanes—for China and for the customers it sells to….



