China's economic growth eased to 6.8 percent in the third quarter, in line with analysts' forecasts, official figures showed on Thursday.

"The national economy has maintained the momentum of stable and sound development in the first three quarters, with favourable factors accumulating for the economy to maintain medium-high rate of growth," National Statistics Bureau spokesman Xing Zhihong said.

The data release coincided with the five-yearly congress of the Communist Party which is expected to give President Xi Jinping a second term.