STORY: China's factory output growth slowed to a 15-month low in November.
The country also saw retail sales post their worst performance since China ended its "zero-COVID" curbs.
Official data showed Monday (December 15) industrial output rose 4.8% year-on-year.
That was the weakest pace of growth since August last year and slightly down from October, and missed analyst forecasts.
Retail sales grew 1.3% - its weakest rise in about three years.
The figure was well below October's growth and analyst projections
Monday's data showed the need for new growth drivers heading into next year.
Chinese officials have leaned on exports to support growth as the economy faces a number of issues, including a drawn-out property crisis.
The strategy now looks unsustainable as trading partners around the world look to build import barriers.
Economists argue the economy has passed the point at which further stimulus would be an effective fix.
The International Monetary Fund last week urged Beijing to speed up structural reform and take action over the property sector.
A spokesperson for China's customs administration said Monday more needs to be done to boost household consumer confidence.
There were signs of further strain as data showed annual car sales fell 8.5% - which marked the steepest decline in 10 months.
Looking ahead, government advisers and analysts say China is likely to pursue its current annual growth target of around 5% next year.
