Survey shows China's manufacturing improving

BEIJING (AP) - A survey of Chinese companies shows manufacturing activity rose again this month, hitting a 14-month high.

HSBC said on Friday that the preliminary version of its monthly purchasing managers' index rose to 50.9 on a 100-point scale, up from November's 50.5. Numbers above 50 indicate expansion.

The gains came despite unexpected weak November trade data reported this week that prompted suggestions China's economic recovery might be shaky.

HSBC survey found new December export orders declined. It said that suggests China still faces "persisting external headwinds" due to weak global demand.