China's economy continued to grow steadily in April with supportive macroeconomic policies despite external shocks, official data showed on Monday.

Figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that China's value-added industrial output- a gauge of activity in the manufacturing, mining and utilities sectors - rose by 6.1 percent year-on-year in April after a 7.7 percent growth in March.

Retail sales, a key measurement of consumer spending, grew by 5.1 percent year-on-year in April versus the 5.9 percent increase in March.

Fixed-asset investment - a gauge of expenditures on items including infrastructure, property, machinery and equipment – rose by 4 percent during the January-April period compared to a year ago, while in the first quarter, it grew by 4.2 percent.

The surveyed urban unemployment rate came in at 5.1 percent in April, down from 5.2 percent in March, according to the NBS.

The NBS noted that despite external shocks, China's broader economy maintained steady growth in April backed by supportive macroeconomic policies.

However, the NBS warned of mounting external uncertainties, saying the foundation for sustained recovery is yet to be consolidated.

In the next step, the NBS said the country should unswervingly manage its affairs well and remain committed to expanding high-standard opening-up. The key focus should also be placed on stabilizing employment, businesses, markets and expectations.