China's economy held steady in the first half of 2019 despite slowing slightly in Q2—a sign it's weathering Trump's trade war storm. While growth dipped to 6.2% (its lowest pace in 27 years), it's still within Beijing's target range, proving tougher than many expected.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about GDP numbers—it's a high-stakes reality check. If China can hit its targets despite tariffs, it undermines Trump's pressure tactics and could embolden Beijing in negotiations. For global markets, it signals that the world's second-largest economy isn't buckling (yet), but the slowdown still ripples through everything from iPhone sales to soybean prices.