A container ship that operates the Hainan free trade port’s first intercontinental route is seen calling at the Xiaochantan dock of Yangpu port. The route linking the Xiaochantan wharf, the South Pacific and Australia, officially begin operations on Monday, filling a gap in Hainan’s shipping links with the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Photo: cnsphoto

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector rose to 51.5 in September from 51 in August, the National Bureau of Statistics said Wednesday.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below reflects contraction.