Manufacturing defies Mideast energy shock

Chinese factories continue growth spurt for second consecutive month

China's manufacturing sector maintained its expansion streak for a second month in April, signaling sustained growth momentum despite a global energy shock triggered by tensions in the Middle East.

The official manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index was 50.3 in April, according to National Bureau of Statistics data released on Thursday. While a marginal 0.1-point dip from March, the figure remains above the critical 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction.

The data revealed a substantial recovery for the backbone of the country's private sector. The PMI for small and medium-sized enterprises stood at 50.1 and 50.5, respectively, up 0.8 and 1.5 percentage points from March, with both returning to expansion territory, the NBS said.