BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- China's service sector activity expanded in March, but at a slower pace, an official monthly survey showed on Wednesday.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the non-manufacturing sector dipped to 53.7 in March from 53.9 in February, according to a report released jointly by the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

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