The Hang Seng Index sank 1.89 percent, or 514.75 points, to 26,745.69.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.36 percent, or 36.13 points, to 2,629.83 and the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, dropped 1.74 percent, or 24.17 points, to 1, dan/sls