The rate, which slightly exceeded the 5.1 per cent average estimate from analysts polled by Reuters, positions Beijing to hit its full-year target of about 5 per cent. It shows how China has been able to keep growth on track through exports and investment even as it struggles with weak demand at home.

The new restrictions will limit exports of technologies crucial for producing EV batteries and processing their raw materials.

In the first half of the year, the world's second-largest economy expanded by 5.3 percent, the NBS said Tuesday.

China’s economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against U.S. tariffs, though analysts warn that weak demand at home and rising global trade risks will ramp up pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus.

China has reported its exports accelerated in June as a reprieve on U.S. tariffs prompted a rush of orders by companies and consumers.

China racked up record steel exports in the second quarter, as flows from the world’s top producer defied expectations for volumes to fade under a barrage of trade measures from Asia to Europe.

China's economy is likely to have cooled in the second quarter after a solid start to the year, as trade tensions and a prolonged property downturn drag on demand, raising pressure on policymakers to roll out additional stimulus to underpin growth.

China's exports growth beat expectations in June as businesses continued to divert shipments to non-U.S. markets while shunning the U.S. despite a tariff reprieve.