Dhaka, April 18 -- China's first-quarter macro data came in stronger than expected. GDP grew by 5.4% year-on-year, supported by robust industrial output, quicker services activity, and stronger domestic demand. But while the numbers offer reassurance, the world is looking at how the Chinese economy is positioning itself for what comes next.

With U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods soaring to 145%, many are asking: can China withstand this wave of pressure?

There are signs that it can, not out of bravado, but out of quiet strength.

Retail sales, a proxy for consumption, rose by 4.6% in Q1, with March accelerating to nearly 6% year-on-year and easily beating a Bloomberg poll that forecasted a 4.3% rise in March. But it's the quality of consump...