Growth in China service sector picks up

China's service sector grew at its fastest pace in six months in May, helping allay fears of a sharp slowdown in its economy. The non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 55.5 in May from 54.8 in April. It comes just days after China reported that the manufacturing sector grew at its fastest pace this year in May. China's service sector, which includes construction and aviation, accounts for nearly 43 per cent of its overall economy. The PMI is a key indicator of the health of the sector and a reading above 50 indicates expansion, according to a news agency.