Asia markets were broadly negative on Tuesday, amid concerns over the ongoing trade spat between the U.S. and China.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 acquired 70.33 points, or 0.3%, to 23,940.26, with semiconductor manufacturer Tokyo Electron rising 2.4%.
Shares of refiner Cosmo Energy gained 3.7% by the end of the trading day, with Japan Petroleum Exploration also seeing gains of 1.5%.
The Japanese yen traded weaker by 0.1% at 112.91 against the U.S. dollar
Australian stocks retreated slightly, with the heavily weighted financial sector seeing a loss of 0.7%. Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares closed lower by 1.1% while Westpac Banking Corp's stock slipped by about 1.2%
Oil producers largely saw gains on Tuesday following yesterday's increase in crude prices. In Australia, Beach Energy saw its stock close 6% higher, while Santos rose 2.8%.
Australian dollar remained slightly weaker at $0.7246 U.S.
Markets in Hong Kong and Korea had the day off
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 lost 30.69 points, or 0.9%, to 3,379.80
The U.S.-China trade remained a focus for markets, with the two economic powerhouses exchanging trade blows on Monday as new tariffs went into effect. China had earlier rejected an invitation by the U.S. to restart trade negotiations.
On Monday, China also released a white paper where it outlined Beijing's response to criticisms leveled against it by the U.S.
Experts said it's very possible that the Trump administration is going to start applying tariffs to "just about all" Chinese imports into the U.S.
In other markets
In Singapore, the Straits Times STI index gained 16.92 points, or 0.5%, to 3,236.08
In Taiwan, the Taiex index added 6.44 points to 10,978.85
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 took on 8.45 points, or 0.1%, to 9,345.96
In Australia, the ASX 200 lopped off 0.99 points to 6,185.88
