Data points to modest momentum for growth

China's manufacturing activity expanded for the second consecutive month in April, official survey results showed on Tuesday, pointing to a modest recovery in China's growth momentum, thanks to policy support and a gradual recovery in domestic demand.

Analysts said China's GDP growth will likely accelerate in the second quarter, given a low comparison base in the previous year and stepped-up macroeconomic policy support, including driving large-scale equipment renewal and the trade-in of consumer goods.

Meanwhile, they cautioned that the economic recovery trend is not yet solid, with factory activity expanding at a slower pace, and said this underscores the need for greater policy support to tackle the insufficient demand faced by some sectors and to address property sector woes.