Bank of Communications Co., (601328.SH)China's fifth-largest lender by assets, Thursday kick-started the earnings season for big Chinese banks by reporting a 30% rise in first-half net profit on robust growth in its interest and fee income.

While its peers are widely expected to report equally strong profit growth, analysts say the sector remains hampered by concerns about asset quality amid slowing economic growth.

"Benefiting from the continuous improvement of its business development ...