The data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday indicate that the Chinese economy continues to grow and improve, with stronger momentum and firmer foundations than some external observers have suggested.

In March, the purchasing managers' index for the manufacturing sector rose to 50.4, while the nonmanufacturing business activity index and the composite PMI output index reached 50.1 and 50.5, respectively. All three indicators returned to levels above the expansion threshold, pointing to a broad-based improvement in economic activity. Building on a good start in the first two months, the Chinese economy is on track to deliver a steady performance in the first quarter.

The recovery is not confined to a single sector. Manufacturing showed notable strength, with the PMI rising by 1.4 percentage points, significantly outperforming seasonal trends. Key subindices, including new orders, production and new export orders, all rebounded. High-tech manufacturing, equipment manufacturing, consumer goods and raw material industries all registered improvement, alongside enterprises of all sizes.

The services sector also demonstrated steady expansion. The business activity index rose to 50.2, supported by strong rebounds in transportation, information services and financial services. Meanwhile, production-oriented services outperformed consumption-related services, echoing the recovery in industrial activity.

In the construction sector, the business activity index edged up to 49.3, supported by the accelerated issuance of special-purpose bonds and the steady rollout of major projects under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). The real estate sector showed signs of stabilization under a combination of supportive policies.

A closer look suggests that the improvement in March has been driven by three key factors: the orderly resumption of work and production after the Spring Festival holiday, the continued release of policy effects and resilient external demand supported by a gradual recovery in the global manufacturing cycle and investment in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence.

More importantly, indicators of market expectations have improved. The proportion of manufacturing enterprises reporting insufficient demand fell to 48.5 percent, the first time since mid-2022 that it has dropped below 50 percent, underscoring a strengthening foundation for recovery.

These developments highlight the effectiveness of China's targeted macroeconomic policies. Fiscal measures have been implemented in a forward-looking manner, with faster issuance of special-purpose bonds and accelerated progress in major infrastructure projects. Policies to stabilize the real estate sector, expand domestic demand and foster new growth drivers are gradually taking effect. The country has focused on improving policy precision and efficiency, ensuring that support is directed where it is most needed.

Against this backdrop, claims of a "China Shock 2.0" and doubts among some Western observers that China has hit its "growth limits" are both misleading and counterproductive. Such narratives seek to justify protectionist and "decoupling" policies, or divert public attention from flawed domestic policies in certain countries.

The Chinese economy's recovery, resilience and long-term growth potential cannot be altered by biased narratives or selective interpretations. As China continues to pursue high-quality development and expand high-standard opening-up, it will not bring "shocks" to the world, but rather provide sustained opportunities, shared growth and a reliable anchor of stability in a changing global landscape.

China remains a major engine of global growth and a key trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. Its continued expansion of imports, institutional opening-up and commitment to a rules-based, World Trade Organization-centered multilateral trading system are boons to the world. And by opening its door wider and improving the business environment, the country offers broad market opportunities for enterprises from around the world.

Admittedly, challenges remain. However, the resilience of the Chinese economy is rooted in its fundamental strengths, and China has accumulated rich experience in macroeconomic management and risk prevention, enabling it to respond in a timely and effective manner.

With clear development goals, well-designed policy frameworks and pragmatic risk management and control arrangements, China is well-positioned to navigate external uncertainties while maintaining steady economic performance.