BEIJING: China's manufacturing sector expanded for a sixth straight month in May, although at a slower pace, as output and new orders remained solid and price pressures eased, a private survey showed on Monday.

The RatingDog China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, fell to 51.8 in May from 52.2 in April, but was slightly above analysts' forecast of 51.6. The 50-mark separates growth from contraction.