China's economic growth rate has fallen for the third successive quarter, amid fears that the economy could be heading for a severe downturn.
The National Bureau of Statistics said on Monday the economy grew at a rate of 9% in the three months to September - down from 10.1% over the previous quarter.
Spokesman Li Xiaochao said the impact of the global financial crisis had far exceeded the government's expectations.
The BBC reports the third quarter growth rate marked a significant fall from the 10.4% growth of the first half of 2008, and the 12.2% growth seen in the first three quarters of 2007.
Indicators from steel prices to housing sales suggest a severe economic slowdown could be in prospect. Factories are reporting that export orders are down sharply.
Last week, the government said that half the country's toymakers had gone out of business.
Officials said over the weekend that the government was preparing to announce tax cuts and increased infrastructure investment. Curbs on the housing market in certain areas may also be relaxed.
[]h] Bank rate cuts
The People's Bank of China has cut interest rates twice and reduced banks' required reserves since mid-September. A third interest rate cut is expected later this year.
The National Bureau of Statistics also announced on Monday that consumer price inflation had cooled to a 15-month low of 4.6% in September. In February, inflation hit a 12-year-peak of 8.7%.
