China's manufacturing sector expanded for a fourth consecutive month in March, despite mounting input and output costs, according to data released Wednesday by RatingDog, a Shenzhen-based financial technology and credit research firm.
The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 50.8 in March, down from 52.1 in February but still above the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction.
Broad-based momentum underpinned the latest reading: new orders posted their second-fastest growth in six months, extending a 10-month streak of increases, while employment rose for a third straight month, the longest uninterrupted gain since mid 2021.
On the price front, both input and output costs accelerated at their sharpest pace since March 2022, but manufacturers in China expressed continued optimism regarding production prospects over the next 12 months.
China's manufacturing sector continues to expand despite rising price pressures
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said on Tuesday that Israel's death penalty legislation targeting Palestinians violates international law.
In a statement, Turk said it is "deeply disappointing" that this bill has been approved by the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.
"It is patently inconsistent with Israel's international law obligations, including in relation to the right to life. It raises serious concerns about due process violations, is deeply discriminatory, and must be promptly repealed," the statement said.
Israel's parliament on Monday approved a bill making the death penalty a punishment by default for Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of "terrorism," a move that has drawn international criticism.
Proposed by Israel's far-right coalition government, the new law mandates the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis with the intent to harm the state. It does not apply to Israelis who kill Palestinians.
Under the law, courts can impose the death penalty even if prosecutors do not request it, and a unanimous judicial decision is not required.
Israel's death penalty law targeting Palestinians violates international law: UN human rights chief
