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Expansion of China's manufacturing sector picked up speed in September, according to official data.

The purchasing managers' index rose to 53.8, its highest level since May, up from 51.7 in August and beating expectations of a reading of 52.

The survey of major companies is compiled for the national bureau of statistics, and a level above 50 indicates expansion.

The news comes despite government efforts to cool down the economy.

China's economic growth slowed to an annual rate of 10.3% in the second quarter of the year, from 11.9% in the first quarter.

The government is targeting growth of 8% for the year as a whole.