BEIJING Two surveys show Chinas manufacturing activity expanded in January, adding to signs of an economic recovery, but growth was weak.

The government-sanctioned China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said Friday its purchasing managers index stood at 50.4 on a 100-point scale on which numbers above 50 show an expansion. Separately, HSBC Corp. said its index stood at 52.3 on a similar 100-point scale.

In a reflection of the shaky state of Chinas recovery, the logistics groups index showed a small decline from December.

Chinas economic growth rebounded to 7.9 per cent in the three months ending in December, up from the previous quarters three-year low of 7.4 per cent. Analysts warn, though, that the country could face a setback if trade or investment growth weakens.