The Caixin General China Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), an indicator of manufacturing activity, fell to 48 in February from 48.4 in January, a private survey showed Tuesday.
The reading was the lowest in five months, according to the survey conducted by financial information service provider Markit and sponsored by Caixin Media Co. Ltd.
A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 represents contraction.
