China's manufacturing PMI reaches expansion zone for two straight months

China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) remained in the expansion zone for the second consecutive month in November, signaling continued stability and growth of the sector, according to data jointly released by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Saturday.

The manufacturing PMI came in at 50.3 in November, up 0.2 percentage points from October.

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

The manufacturing PMI has edged up for three consecutive months and remained in the expansion range for two consecutive months.

"Since the introduction of a wealth of incremental policies in late September, we have clearly observed a comprehensive recovery in the PMI of October and the PMI continued to rebound across the board in November. This is a very encouraging change. In terms of managing expectations and restoring confidence, it can be said that quite good results have been achieved," said Zhang Yansheng, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research.

In November, both the existing and incremental policies continued to take effect, driving faster growth in market supply and demand.

The new orders index reached 50.8 percent, marking its third consecutive month of month-on-month growth, reflecting a sustained improvement in market demand, with a trend of accelerating recovery.

Enterprises' willingness to produce also ramped up, with the production index remaining in the expansion zone for three consecutive months, reflecting a steady and accelerating growth in manufacturing activities since September.

"Both the production index and the new orders index have risen, with the new orders index reaching the expansion zone for the first time since May of this year, indicating a more dynamic manufacturing market," said Huo Lihui, head of the Business Climate Survey Division of the Service Survey Center under the NBS.

In addition, business confidence becomes stronger, with the expectations index of production and business activities rising to 54.7 percent in November, a 0.7-percentage-point uptick from October and the second consecutive monthly rise.

China's manufacturing PMI reaches expansion zone for two straight months

The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, was marked in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, where the city's Chinese and local communities came together for a day of festivities at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, one of Cape Town's landmarks.

As part of the celebration, the local and Chinese communities showcased their talents in arts and crafts at a day-long market. The festivities featured a range of activities, including fan-making, Chinese character calligraphy, and traditional food, offering visitors a vibrant taste of Spring Festival traditions.

One of the highlights of the celebration was a lively quiz competition, where members of the local communities tested their skills by speaking simple Mandarin phrases and answering challenging questions about Chinese culture. Winners walked away with prizes, adding an interactive edge to the festivities.

"So what we're trying to do is we're trying to bring the real atmosphere of celebration of the Chinese New Year to the people of Cape Town, and even to a large extent, to the people of South Africa. Gradually, more and more people fall in love with Chinese culture. [This is] especially also [evident] at different universities, where you see students start learning Chinese, speak Mandarin, and they learn to write in Chinese, especially Chinese calligraphy," said Dong Gang, director of the Cape Town Huaxing Arts Troupe.

"This year marks our fourth year. We have been holding the Cape Town Chinese New Year event for four years. Many friends in China say that the Cape Town Chinese New Year event is more festive than events back home. We think we've done a really good job. So we're very happy to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Cape Town," said Wu Zhimin, a member of the Cape Town Huaxing Arts Troupe.

The event reflects the growing cultural exchange between the two countries, according to the organizer.

Chinese New Year celebrated in South Africa's Cape Town