MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

China's growth declines in second quarter; expanding government debt trims Beijing's credit rating

Even before the dispute with Washington, forecasters expected growth to cool after Beijing started tightening controls on bank lending last year to rein in surging debt.

China's economic growth slowed in the quarter ending in June, adding to challenges for Beijing amid a mounting tariff battle with Washington. The world's second-largest economy expanded by 6.7%, down from the previous quarter's 6.8%, the government reported Monday.

Even before the dispute with Washington erupted, forecasters expected growth to cool after Beijing started tightening controls on bank lending last year to rein in surging debt.

Economic activity is expected to decline further as global demand for Chinese exports weakens and lending controls weigh on construction and investment, major contributors to growth.

Beijing has responded to previous downturns by flooding the state-dominated economy with credit. But that has swelled debt so high that global rating agencies have cut China's government credit rating.

Chinese leaders are in the midst of a marathon effort to encourage self-sustaining growth driven by domestic consumption and reduce reliance on exports and investment. Consumer spending is rising more slowly than planned, leaving economic growth dependent on debt-supported investment.