Asian equities were mixed overnight on light volumes as investors await Nvidia’s earnings results after the US market close.

Kevin Duling with KD Investors says the additional six cargoes of soybeans sold to China were part of the rumored business earlier in the week and have already been priced into the market.

UBS says the Chinese tech sector offers an attractive way to counterbalance positions in US tech.

SHANGHAI: Mainland China and Hong Kong stocks closed lower on Tuesday, weighed down by new energy shares, as traders assessed subdued sentiment across global markets ahead of closely watched US economic data.

China has intensified its economic pressure on Japan, with state-owned enterprises banning employees from travelling to its Asian neighbour, tour groups and a flagship forum being cancelled and Japanese film releases suspended.

Less than a month into her term, Japan's conservative leader has stirred tensions with China by suggesting a Chinese move against Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.

China told Japan on Wednesday that it would suspend imports of Japanese seafood, Kyodo News reported, adding pressure to strained ties after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan could take part in a Taiwan crisis.