(Yicai Global) Oct. 2 -- China's manufacturing sector expanded at the fastest pace in more than five years last month, per data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

The nation's manufacturing sector was characterized by a continued improvement in demand both at home and abroad and a booming high-tech industry, NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe said.

The manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for last month was 52.4, up from 51.7 in August and 51.4 in July, the NBS said. A PMI above 50 indicates expansion, while one below reflects contraction.

"The indicator showed a stable upward trend in the manufacturing sector," said Zhao.

Having stayed positive for a 14th straight month, the reading marked the highest level since May 2012.

The non-manufacturing business activity index for the month was 55.4 percent, up 2.0 percentage points, the NBS said. This is the highest expansion rate since June last year. A high growth rate in the service sector as well as a resurgence in the construction sector contributed to the recovery.