Asian stocks closed mixed on Thursday, with China markets falling once more despite a mostly calmer backdrop after an elevation in trade tensions between the U.S. and China earlier in the week.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 137.61 points, or 0.6%, to 22,693.04, with machinery stocks leading the gains. Technology sector stocks also contributed to the index's overall advance. Automakers, however, were in negative territory, with Toyota down 0.7%.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng dumped 400.12 points, or 1.4%, to 29,296.05, with all of its sectors in negative territory before the market close.
Korean markets subsided, amid broad declines, although heavyweight Samsung Electronics clung to a 0.1% gain by the end of the day.
Analysts attributed the calmer state of markets overnight to the lack of substantial new developments on the U.S.-China trade spat.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 slid 42.47 points, or 1.2%, to 3,592.97
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index lost 15.9 points, or 0.5%, to 3,300
The Taiex index re-strengthened 23.25 points, or 0.2%, to 10,927.44
In Korea, the Kospi index moved lower 26.08 points, or 1.1%, to 2,337.83
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 climbed 92.99 points, or 1%, to 8,998.78
In Australia, the ASX 200 hiked 59.55 points, or 1%, to 6,232.13
