Gross domestic product in the world's second-largest economy expanded 5.0 percent year-on-year in January-March, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The reading was slightly higher than an AFP forecast of 4.8 percent based on a survey of economists.

Beijing is eyeing overall economic growth this year of 4.5-5.0 percent -- the lowest in decades.

A years-long crisis in the property sector and a persistent slump in domestic spending have left leaders reliant on exports to meet growth targets.

NBS data also showed Thursday that retail sales grew 1.7 percent on-year in March, missing a Bloomberg forecast of 2.4 percent.

Industrial production rose 5.7 percent, the NBS said, beating a Bloomberg forecast of 5.3 percent but slowing from 6.3 percent in January and February combined.

The closely watched data comes as global energy prices surge in response to the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has stymied shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil and gas passes.

Experts say China's diversified energy supply shields it from immediate shocks, though a potential global downturn caused by the war could weaken demand for its exports.