China's service sector maintained its expansionary momentum in March for a 39th straight month in line, according to data released on Friday by S and P Global, sponsored by RatingDog, a financial technology and credit research firm based in south China's Shenzhen City.
The RatingDog services PMI came in at 52.1, down from a 33-month high of 56.7 in February, but is still above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction.
According to the report, incoming new business increased for the 39th successive month, the second longest period of continuous expansion in the survey history.
Data shows that domestic markets were a key driver of service sector demand. International new business declined following growth in the first two months of 2026.
China's composite PMI eased to 51.5 in March from a 33-month high of 55.4, but also remained above the 50-point growth threshold.
Data shows that business activities have expanded across both manufacturing and services. Input prices have risen at the fastest pace since May 2022, driven by manufacturing cost pressures, while employment saw a slight decline.
China's service sector maintained expansionary momentum in March
China's service sector maintained expansionary momentum in March
Russian helicopter manufacturers are looking to take their partnerships with Chinese firms to new heights at the 10th China-Russia Expo, which opened in Harbin of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Sunday.
The expo highlights future industries including intelligent equipment, digital security, green building materials, new energy storage and other key fields.
As the largest comprehensive exchange platform between the two countries, Russia's leading helicopter makers are seeing fresh opportunities to team up with Chinese machinery firms, seeking reciprocal partnerships that draw on the strengths of both sides.
Sergei Suchilin, Head of Life Cycle Support at Russian Helicopters, part of the state-owned high-tech conglomerate Rostec, joined the event to present their best products.
"The first one is [Mil] Mi-17, the most common, the most popular model all over the world. It has a lot of different modification and can be used in very many variants of exploitation. First of all, it's for transportation for personnel and cargoes, also it can be used on search and rescue operations," said Suchilin.
Beyond showcasing, Suchilin was particularly keen to connect with Chinese exhibitors and explore potential cooperation, hoping to tap into their manufacturing edge.
"Machines and equipment, I think, it is more interesting -- like a big producing plant for us, and China is famous for its machine and equipment. This field of economics is developing very well nowadays in China," said the Russian exhibitor.
Dozens of meters away from their booth, a variety of aero-engine models for passenger planes, cargo drones and helicopters were on display in the Chinese exhibition zone, covering a comprehensive industrial chain, which is especially appealing for Suchilin.
"It's our first visit and it is really interesting for us, because there are a lot of new developing industries in China and it is very interesting to have a look, and maybe we may have some cooperation in the future, to know the projects of local producers," he said.
The enthusiasm for collaboration is mutual. Zhang Yuliang of Xinghuo Machine Tool in Hebei Province expressed strong confidence in the Russian market, thanks to the high reliability and cost performance of his products.
"We have full confidence in the Russian market. Since 2022, the share of our products exported to Russia has risen from 10 percent to 50 percent. Chinese products boast high-cost performance and stable output. We will keep expanding production capacity to meet the needs of Russian clients," he said.
Russian helicopter makers eye collaboration with Chinese firms at China-Russia Expo
