China Economy Continues to Slow China's economic growth slowed during the first three months of 2016. Chinese state media reported Friday that the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) grew at 1______ between January and March. GDP represents the 2______ produced within a country. China is the world's second-largest economy. The 6.7 growth rate was the slowest there since the start of the world 3______ seven years ago. In the final three months of 2015, the Chinese economy grew 6.8 percent. The National Bureau of Statistics said the economy is still within range of the 4______ government's expectations. The official full-year target for economic growth is 6.5 to seven percent. China's GDP has 5______ nearly 10 percent a year since 1978, according to the World Bank. The economy has slowed over the past five years. The government has reacted by cutting 6______ and increasing 7______ on public works projects. The government is also trying to get the public to buy more Chinese-made goods and services. Economists told the Associated Press a construction slump and 8______ are reasons for the slower growth economy. Economic forecasters expect China's economy to grow at a 9______ rate this year, according to the Associated Press. The news agency said an 10_____ of just 6.3 percent is expected in 2016.