China’s economy grew last year at the second-slowest rate since 1976.

Official figures show gross domestic product in the world’s second largest economy rose by three per cent in 2022.

This is below the government’s target of 5.5 per cent.

Last month, Beijing abruptly lifted its strict zero-COVID policy.

The policy had a major impact on the country’s economic activity, but the relaxation of the rules has led to a jump in COVID cases that threatens to also drag on growth.

This information has also been released on the back of China’s population growth declining for the first time in six decades.