China shares lower in morning trade

SHANGHAI: Chinese shares were down 0.21 percent in early trade Thursday following weakness in global stock markets due to unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, dealers said.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was down 6.14 points at 2,856.49.

The Shanghai A-share index fell 0.22 percent, or 6.47 points, to 2,990.85 while the Shenzhen A-share index lost 0.43 percent, or 5.71 points, to 1,327.52.