(Source: CGTN)

China's factory activity expanded faster than expected in February. Official and private factory surveys show growth in both output and orders accelerated last month.

The official manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index came in at 51.6 percent in February, 0.3 percentage points higher than in January. Growth in the services sector slowed slightly in February compared with the previous month but remained robust.

The Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.7 last month from 51.0 in January. The Caixin survey is based on data provided by more than 500 factories and mines across the country. A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, while anything below that points to contraction.

This is the 7th consecutive month that China’s manufacturing PMI stayed within expansionary territory.