China economic data show signs slowdown may be easing

Visitors look at the robotic arms assembly a vehicle frame during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in the outskirt of Beijing, Aug 17, 2023. [AP Photo]

China's factories picked up their pace and retail sales also gained momentum in August, the government reported Friday, suggesting the economy may be gradually recovering from its post-pandemic malaise.

However, despite busy activity in restaurants and stores, the figures showed continuing weakness in the all-important property sector, where real estate developers are struggling to repay heavy loads of debt in a time of slack demand. Investment in real estate fell 8.8% in August from the year before. The decline has been worsening since the beginning of the year.