China's purchasing managers index (PMI), a barometer of manufacturing activities, stood at 51 percent in February 2012, slightly rebounding from 50.5 percent in January, said the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP).

"The figure reflects the growing strength of the Chinese economy, with both industries and consumption picking up momentum," said Zhang Liqun, a researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council. "But uncertainties remain due to slowing exports and investment demands."

The new orders sub-index, an effective gauge of domestic demand, stood at 51 percent in February, compared with 50.4 percent last month.