Official data just released show China's foreign trade recovered in the third quarter, after falling for two quarters in straight. Exports rose 0.4%, imports gained 2.1%, making total trade increase 1.1%.

For the first nine months, total trade hit 17 trillion yuan, falling 1.9% from last year. Officials say China's trade is stabilizing, thanks to domestic drivers. China's trade figures were in the negative territory in the first half year, as global economy softened.

Analysts warn that external factors still disappoint, posing challenges for future growth.