China's manufacturing sector expanded in March, said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), fresh evidence of a stabilizing economy.
The country's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) came in at 51.8 in March, higher than the 51.6 recorded in February, according to NBS data released Friday.
A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below reflects contraction.
This also marked the second consecutive month that the expansion rate of the index accelerated.
Major sub-indexes posted upticks, pointing to strengthened momentum of the manufacturing sector, said NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe.
The sub-index for production stood at 54.2 in March, higher than 53.7 registered in February.
The sub-index for new orders rose to 53.3 in March from 53 in February.
"High-tech manufacturing continued its rapid expansion, and some traditional manufacturing industries' production and management conditions continue to be on the mend," Zhao said.
The sub-index for high-tech manufacturing industry topped 54.2 in March, well above 51.8 registered for all manufacturing industries.
