China has released key economic figures for the first quarter of the year. Authorities say the economy performed within an appropriate range, maintaining growth and stability. The first quarter also saw strengthened confidence among manufacturers and consumers. Our reporter Wang Hui has the details.

According to a preliminary estimate, China's GDP surpassed 21 trillion yuan in the first three months of the year, an increase of 6.4% at comparable prices year-on-year.

The combined value of imports and exports was up seven trillion yuan, a rise of 3.7%. The value of exports was 3.8 trillion, while the imports stood at 3.2 trillion. That means a trade surplus of about 530 billion yuan, up 75% from the same period last year.

The ongoing trade dispute between China and the U.S. has now lasted for a year. I asked how this has affected the Chinese economy.

A senior official from the Bureau of Statistics responded that the global economic recovery, the world's economy and expansion of international trade have slowed as a result of rising trade protectionism in 2018. But there have been positive signals from the trade talks between China and the U.S., and the international capital market and international enterprises have responded positively.

MAO SHENGYONG SENIOR OFFICIAL, NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS "It means that when the two largest economies strengthen their trade engagement and maintain normal mutually beneficial economic cooperation, it will not only benefit them but also help the recovery of the global economy and international trade."

Market expectations for China's economy have also improved. The Manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index is more than 50% again, returning to expansion after three consecutive months of contraction. The consumer confidence index was nearly 125 Index Points, three point two points higher than the fourth quarter last year.

MAO SHENGYONG SENIOR OFFICIAL, NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS "The strengthening of confidence in economic development was a positive result of a series of new government policies on reform and opening up, particularly policies to maintain economic stability and cuts in taxes and fees for enterprises. International economic institutions have also raised their expectations for China's economic growth this year."

WANG HUI BEIJING "Beijing says that the national economy performed within an expected range in the first quarter, sustaining the momentum of progress, in overall stability, with growing positive factors. It has laid a solid foundation for stable and healthy economic development for the whole year. But given the slowing global economic growth, international uncertainties and domestic structural issues, China's economy may still face downward pressure. Wang Hui, CGTN, Beijing."