China’s manufacturing activity picked up faster than expected in June buoyed by strong demand for high-tech exports amid global AI boom. The official purchasing managers’ index edged up to 50.3 in June, beating economists’ forecast of 50.1, returning to the expansionary territory above the 50-point threshold. The index stood at 50 in May. The nonmanufacturing gauge, which tracks construction and services activity, rose to 50.2 from 50.1 in May, according to data released Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics. China’s manufacturing engine has remained resilient this year, with surging investment in artificial ... (full story)