中国第二季度经济增长放缓

The pace of growth in the world's third-largest economy slowed in the second quarter, official figures show.

官方统计数字显示，世界上第三大经济体第二季度经济增长脚步放缓。

China's economy grew by 10.3% in the April to June quarter, above the government's growth target, but well below the 11.9% growth rate during the first quarter of the year.

The slowdown came as the impact of a government stimulus¹ package（刺激计划） faded.

The government also clamped down on（压制） a credit boom. China's economic boom is key to growth in other countries.

A slowdown could hurt China's trading partners and might hold back global recovery if the country starts to import less.

China recovered quickly from the global economic downturn, but was then faced with a boom that included a surge in house prices and fears that a speculative²（投机的，推测的） asset bubble was forming.

The authorities imposed limits on lending and investment.

Despite the slower pace of growth, it remains³ well above the official target of 8% for the year.

The latest figures leave growth for the first half at 11.1%.

The International Monetary⁴ Fund earlier this year said China's economy would expand by 10.5% this year.