BEIJING, Nov.1 -- China's factory activity held steady in October as the country's manufacturing sector saw improved but still weak demand, official data showed Sunday.

China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) came in at 49.8 in October, unchanged from September, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

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

The production sub-index posted at 52.2 in October, slightly down from 52.3 in September, but up from 51.7 in August, showing an recovered growth in production.

The sub-index for new orders came at 50.s, back to expansion territory and up from 50.2 in September, indicating demand has improved.