No let-up seen in May output

China's manufacturing sector witnessed better-than-expected growth in May, pointing to fresh evidence of recovery stabilizing in the world's third-largest economy.

The Chinese official version of the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), published by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing yesterday, posted its third result above the watershed 50, though it dipped to 53.1 from 53.5 in April. A reading over 50 indicates an expansion of activity in the manufacturing sector, while one below 50 suggests contraction.

"The May PMI, which continued to stay above 50, shows that the economy is continuing to rebound," Zhang Liqun, a researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council, or the cabinet, said in a statement accompanying the release of the figure.