China's purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector rose to 51.0 percent in August from 50.3 percent in July, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) said on Sunday.

The rise of PMI marks the second monthly expansion in a row, and the highest reading this year, according to authorities.

"The PMI keeps increasing in two months, and it rose a lot in August. The trend suggests that the foundation for a steady growth has been consolidated further," said Cai Jin, vice chairman of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

"In general, our economy is in a process of consolidation and looking forward to steadiness. On the economic trend, I think it will grow in a steady way," said Zhang Liqun, an analyst with the Development Research Center of the State Council.

A reading below 50 indicates contraction, while anything above signals expansion.

Presented by Adam Justice

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