China economy grows at slowest pace in 5 years

BEIJING (AP) — China’s economic growth waned to a five-year low of 7.3 percent last quarter, raising concerns of a spillover effect on the global economy but falling roughly in line with Chinese leaders’ plans for a controlled slowdown.

The third-quarter figures, released Tuesday, put China on course for annual growth somewhat lower than the 7.5 percent targeted by leaders, though they have indicated there is wiggle-room in their plan. The world’s No. 2 economy grew 7.5 percent from a year earlier in the previous quarter and 7.4 percent in the first quarter.