By Kevin Yao and Claire Fu BEIJING/SINGAPORE, April 16 (Reuters) - China's economy picked up speed early in 2026, riding an export surge before the Iran war sent energy costs soaring and put global demand - vital to Beijing's growth ambitions - at risk.

A steep slide in housing prices has left consumers less prosperous and less willing to spend, but the government is pouring money into new rail lines and other projects.

The Chinese economy expanded at a faster pace in the first quarter due to resilient exports and front-loaded policy support, but signs of weakness have started to emerge as the war in Iran disrupts global supply chains.

China is now on track to become the world’s top tourism economy in the next few years as a sharp drop in foreign visits sets the US back.

In the long run, I do see a benefit of massive Chinese investment to the US,” the head of a Beijing-based think tank said at Semafor World Economy.

IN January and February, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with President Xi Jinping at its core, all regions and departments strictly implemented the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council,