MNI China Press Digest April 25: GDP, Boeing, WTO

Highlights from Chinese press reports on Friday:

• China saw eight out of 11 major provinces record GDP growth above 5.4% in Q1, Yicai reports, noting that nine regions saw increases faster than their annual target. Hubei grew fastest at 6.3%, followed by Anhui at 6.2%, with Shandong and Zhejiang both seeing a 6% rise. Jiangsu, Henan, Fujian and Sichuan also surpassed the national average, Yicai said. However, Guangdong, China’s largest provincial economy, rose 4.1%, below its 5.0% yearly target.
• China has returned a third Boeing aircraft—originally earmarked for Air China—to the United States, after Xiamen Airlines recently flew back two single-aisle planes, a move linked to Beijing’s decision to suspend deliveries from the Seattle-based manufacturer to domestic carriers, according to Yicai.com. Additionally, several airlines announced a halt in the procurement of specific U.S. imported aviation components. Notably, Boeing has delivered 20 out of the 49 aircraft scheduled for China this year, in contrast to Airbus’ plans for 136 aircraft in 2025 and 148 aircraft in 2026.
• China will firmly uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation as the foundation, advocate for the resolution of trade and tariff disputes through equal dialogue and consultation, and safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, said Finance Minister Lan Fo’an during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. All parties should further improve the international economic and financial system through strengthening multilateral cooperation and promote the reform of multilateral development banks, said Lan. (Source: Ministry of Finance Website)