The Caixin China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), a private gauge of the operating conditions of the country's manufacturing sector, came in at 50.8 in February, up 0.7 points compared with the previous month, marking the highest point in three months, underscoring the accelerated expansion in the country's manufacturing sector.

China's Baidu will launch the next generation of its artificial intelligence model Ernie in mid-March, which will see improved capabilities in areas such as reasoning, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said.

CHINA plans to start re-capitalising several of its biggest banks in coming months, according to people familiar with the matter, following through on a broad stimulus package unveiled last year to shore up the struggling economy.

Chinese manufacturer BYD wants to build another plant in Europe since the EU now collects special tariffs on electric vehicle imports from China. Battery production in Europe is also in the cards. However, the Chinese are in no hurry to make this decision.

Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel of Portugal is to make his first official visit to Macao and the Chinese mainland next month.

Sichuan Airlines has expanded its European operations, further strengthening the dominance of Chinese airlines on China-Europe routes.