China's gross domestic product grew by 4.5 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026, according to official data released on Monday. The expansion surpassed market expectations and keeps the economy on course to achieve its annual growth target.
China's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 4.5 percent year-on-year in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, according to data released on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The reported growth figure beat expectations, Pakistan Point News reported in a dispatch from Hong Kong.
According to the released economic data, the third-quarter performance keeps China on track to meet its annual economic growth target.
Senior UAE officials met with Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan on the sidelines of the Asian Financial Forum. The discussions centered on advancing bilateral economic cooperation between the UAE and Hong Kong/China. The UAE delegation included the UAE Ambassador to China, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and the UAE Consul General in Hong Kong.
The Saudi Central Bank has ended its formal participation in Project mBridge, the multilateral central bank digital currency platform developed with China and the UAE. While the central bank stated that its exit was planned following a completed proof-of-concept phase in May 2025, the disclosure has prompted debate over geopolitical pressures and non-dollar settlement systems. The platform continues operations among remaining central banks, including China, the UAE, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
An analysis published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute highlights how front companies in jurisdictions including the UAE and Hong Kong facilitate cross-border settlements for Russian trade. The article notes correspondent banking flows involving UAE, Chinese, and US financial institutions and warns of heightened secondary sanctions scrutiny.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
