China’s economy likely showed stability in the first two months of the year, despite US President Donald Trump returning to office and almost instantly starting a second trade war with Beijing.

The country’s top leaders set an optimistic growth target but gave few hints of how to achieve it as their export-led strategy is challenged by rising tariffs on Chinese goods.

China on Thursday urged Washington to engage in a "dialogue" with Beijing on how to resolve President Trump's spiralling trade war and geopolitical tensions.