China's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 6.2 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2019 to about 69.78 trillion yuan ($9.87 trillion), data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Oct 18.

Specifically, the GDP increased 6.0 percent in the third quarter, 6.2 percent in the second quarter and 6.4 percent in the first quarter year-on-year.

NBS spokesperson Mao Shengyong said China's economy maintained overall stability in the first three quarters. He also cautioned that the economy is under mounting downward pressure given the complicated and severe economic conditions both at home and abroad.

In terms of industries, the added value of the primary, secondary and tertiary industries grew 2.9 percent, 5.6 percent and 7 percent respectively, indicating that the economic structure continues to be optimized.

The weaker economic growth in the third quarter is within expectations, said Bai Ming, an expert at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.