Discrepancies cloud official report of rapid recovery.
Officials struggle to control smog from coal and chemical projects despite pledge to curb carbon in the long term.
Retail sales rose for first time this year, but imports continued to sag.
Country approves unneeded plants to spur economic growth.
Regulators warn that debt and default pressures will spill over into next year.
Tanker moves may raise hopes for goals of Phase 1 agreement this year.
