The predicted third-quarter growth compared with 6.7% rate in the previous quarter but would still be higher than the government's full-year target of around 6.5%
The lower income underscores a delicate balancing act for authorities as they extend a campaign to reduce China's reliance on credit-intensive investment without imperilling the economy
A proposed target would be endorsed by top leaders at the closed-door Central Economic Work Conference in mid-December, and then announced at China's annual congress in early 2018
6.9% growth gives leaders a room to focus on debt risks
On a quarterly basis, growth picked up to 1.7 percent from 1.3 percent in the first quarter
Weaning China off its dependence on yrs of cheap money may pose threat if not handled well: Experts