BEIJING: China's factory activity expanded at a faster pace in January as export orders rebounded and output growth accelerated, lifting hiring to the highest level in three months, a private-sector survey showed on Monday (Feb 2), beating expectations. The RatingDog China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose to 50.3 at the start of 2026 from 50.1 in December, in line with analysts' forecasts and marking the highest since October. The 50-mark