China's manufacturing activity expands for 9th month

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's manufacturing sector expanded for the 9th straight month in April, though at a slower pace, said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Sunday.

The country's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) came in at 51.2 in April, lower than the 51.8 recorded in March, according to NBS data.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below reflects contraction.