The Hang Seng Index jumped 0.50 percent, or 130.61 points, to 26,179.33.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.49 percent, or 13.99 points, to 2,897.43 and the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on

China's second exchange, was barely moved, inching down 0.21 points to 1,578.70.