China's December inflation eases to 4.1 percent Jan 11 09:46 PM US/Eastern BEIJING (AP) - China's December inflation rate eased slightly to 4.1 percent, giving Beijing more room to stimulate its slowing economy. The government said Thursday consumer prices overall rose 4.1 percent in December, down from November's 4.2 percent. Inflation in food prices accelerated to 9.1 percent from November's 8.8 percent. Lower inflation could clear the way for Beijing to take more steps to stimulate slowing economic growth if necessary. But higher food costs are politically sensitive and could force Chinese leaders to be more cautious.