(Yicai Global) Dec. 2 -- Stock markets on the Chinese mainland held onto morning gains today after the latest data showed the nation's manufacturing sector had expanded to a three-year high.

The Shanghai Composite Index went into lunch 0.35 percent higher at 2,882.00, while the Shenzhen Component Index was at 9,632.54, up 0.53 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, closed up 0.69 percent at 1,676.46.

The Caixin purchasing managers' index for China's manufacturing sector rose 0.1 point in November to 51.8, marking five straight months on the up and a new high since 2017.

Editor: James Boyton