Service sector drives up growth

The service sector is tipped to replace the manufacturing industry and become the strongest driver of the Chinese economy.

Economists said China seems to be moving toward a more environmentally sustainable and less resource-intensive growth pattern, as the faster improvement of the service sector is in stark contrast with a sluggish manufacturing industry.

The British financial group HSBC reported on Monday that July's service purchasing managers index was 51.3, signaling a modest increase in business activity in the service sector.