China's purchasing managers' indexes (PMIs) improved in June as the economy continued to gain traction, official data showed Tuesday.

The PMI for the manufacturing sector rose from 50 of the previous month to 50.3 in June, returning to expansion territory and marking its second-highest reading this year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Meanwhile, the non-manufacturing PMI covering the construction and service sectors came in at 50.2 in June, up from 50.1 in May.

The data suggested the overall level of economic activity picked up this month, NBS statistician Huo Lihui said.

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