China's manufacturing sector grew faster than anticipated in May, a private survey revealed, despite slower momentum compared to April and weaker official data.

Reuters poll forecasts China's May manufacturing PMI at 50, down from April's 50.3, as weak domestic demand and rising costs pressure Beijing to act.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector stood at 50 in May, down 0.3 percentage points from the previous month, official data showed Sunday.

Update: China's manufacturing PMI drops to 50 in May -