China is expected to report its weakest growth numbers in almost three years on Thursday.
Analysts have forecast an average annual growth rate of 8.3% for the first quarter, down from 8.9% in the previous three months.
Demand for China's exports has weakened in the United States and Europe, and Beijing has found it tough to boost domestic demand to offset this decline.
Also on Thursday, the World Bank warned that China's economy may slow further in the coming months.
The BBC reports the bank cut its growth outlook for the economy for 2012 to 8.2% from its earlier projection of 8.4%.
