China's manufacturing activities expanded at the fastest pace in six months in August on the back of economic stabilization, a private survey showed on Friday.

The Caixin China General Manufacturing Purchase Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 51.6 for August, up from 51.1 in July, according to the survey conducted by financial information service provider Markit and sponsored by Caixin Media Co. Ltd.

The index in August was the highest since February, when it registered 51.7.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 represents contraction.