China's economy has been the consistently good performer in Asia (and the world) for 4 or 5 years. China's economy grew 7.3% on 2001, and is expected to grow 7% in 2001.

Despite a rocky time for other Asian economies in a time of global economic slowdown and the influential Japanese economy spiralling downward, China has seemed the solid and reliable older uncle. 2001 also saw the revival of the economic fortunes of East Asian powerhouses South Korea and Taiwan, and 2002 the beginning of a revival for South East Asia, but none can come close to the growth estimates of China for this year...

Reuters reports: "...China said yesterday its economy grew a strong 7.3 percent last year, the best in Asia, but this year would be a battle against a "grim" world outlook to achieve growth of 7 percent.

Analysts said that barring a robust rebound in the global economy which would help China's exports, the nation's economic growth was likely to remain steady - around the official target of 7 percent - in 2002...