The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's non-manufacturing sector came in at 50.3 in August, up from 50.1 in the previous month, official data showed. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while below 50 reflects contraction.

The sub-index for the construction sector came in at 49.1 in August, down from 50.6 in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The sub-index for the service sector stood at 50.5 in August, up from 50 in July, according to the data. (Xinhua)