BEIJING, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Activity in China's services industry expanded in July at a faster pace than the previous month, an official survey showed on Monday.

The official non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 53.9 in July, compared with the previous month's reading of 53.7 and well above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis.

China is counting on growth in services to offset persistent weakness in manufacturing that is dragging on the economy.

(Reporting by Sue-Lin Wong; Editing by Kim Coghill)