BEIJING -- The Chinese economy is facing strong downward pressure this year, said a Renmin University professor, known for his candid views and skepticism of government statistics, citing Beijing's eager push for economic stimulus as evidence that the real growth is weaker than its official forecast.
"The officially announced [real] growth forecast will probably be 6.3% or less. The possibility of 6.2% or 6.1% can't be ruled out," Xiang Songzuo told Nikkei in an interview. "It'll be difficult to maintain the 6.4% of October-December 2018 in January through March."
