China's non-manufacturing sector saw rapid expansion in August, with the service industry's prosperity level has rebounded significantly, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics and China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Sunday.
The Business Activity Index of China's non-manufacturing industry stood at 50.3 percent in August, up 0.2 percentage points from previous month, maintaining above 50 percent for multiple consecutive months, showing a steady growth of the country's non-manufacturing industry.
Among which, the business activity index of the service industry was 50.5 percent, up 0.5 percentage points from the previous month, reaching a high for the year.
"Driven by summer holiday consumption and supported by the policies of promoting large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins, various consumer-related sector indices have maintained an expansionary trend," said He Hui, vice president of China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
Specifically, the business activity indices for capital market services, railway transport, air transport, telecommunications, radio and television, and satellite transmission services all remained in the high prosperity range of above 60 percent, indicating rapid growth in total business volume, according to the data.
The civil engineering construction industry continued to stay in the expansion zone, demonstrating that infrastructure-related activities maintained a relatively strong growth momentum, the data showed.
China's non-manufacturing sector sees rapid expansion in August
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
