Growth forecast to exceed 7% in 2013 (3)

policies will likely remain broadly unchanged in 2013. We do not expect a sharp change in the policy stance to occur in the near term. The government will focus less on the actual rate of growth, and instead focus on the sustainability of growth, which is positive for the economy," said Zhang.

Louis Kuijs, chief China economist with RBS, predicted that growth in 2013 may accelerate to 8 percent. "China's economic growth has bottomed out, largely in response to policy support and an initial uptick in exports."

However, he said, "in view of pending headwinds, illustrated by some weakness in the November data, we do not expect a steep recovery".

Although inflation is likely to pick up in the coming six months, he said that increase would be modest, allowing the monetary stance to remain accommodative.

"We do not expect major headline stimulus unless there is a further substantial deterioration in growth prospects," Kuijs said.

"The new leadership could possibly outline a more ambitious and comprehensive approach to rebalancing, restructuring and full urbanization," he added.