China economic growth lower than forecast

China, the world’s second-largest economy, has seen growth slow in the first three months of this year, latest figures show.

The economy grew at an annual rate of 7.7% in the January to March quarter, down from 7.9% in the previous quarter.

Most analysts had forecast growth of closer to 8% for the period.

These are the first growth numbers to be reported after China’s new leaders took charge of the country, in what is seen as a crucial time for its economy.

Beijing has been trying to spur growth after it hit a 13-year low in 2012.