China's manufacturing sector expanded in July for the 12th month in a row, indicating strength in the world's second largest economy, according to official data on Monday.

The country's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) came in at 51.4 in July, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below reflects contraction.

Not since July 2016 has the PMI been below the 50-point mark.

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