China Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hold constructive talks in Malaysia, signalling a cautious diplomatic thaw amid trade and South China Sea tensions.

China pushes for ‘new narrative’ with US after constructive Malaysia talks

China said on Monday that it hoped to make a trade deal with the United States as soon as possible, amid intense discussions before fresh US tariffs on Chinese imports are due to kick in at the end of the week.

Hope to reach trade agreement with US as soon as possible: China

Asian markets rose Thursday but investors moved cautiously as they sifted through conflicting reports about the outlook for upcoming China-US trade talks. Global investors have been broadly upbeat in recent weeks that the meeting in Washington between top-level representatives would see at least some progress.

Asia markets rise as dealers nervously await start of trade talks

The BSE benchmark Sensex rallied over 265.54 points to trade at 38,938.45 in early trade on Monday, driven by sustained buying mainly in metal, auto and financial stocks amid positive global cues.

Sensex rallies over 265 points in opening deals

Factory activity in China contracted to a three-year low in February as export orders fell at the fastest pace since the global financial crisis, highlighting deepening cracks in an economy facing weak demand at home and abroad.

China February factory activity shrinks to three-year low, export orders worst in a decade

Asian stocks retreated Friday as concern grew over reports of an impasse in China-US trade talks in Beijing, and Wall Street was hit by weak US retail sales. Bourses across the region posted losses as investors shrugged off news that US President Donald Trump would sign a massive spending bill to avert a government shutdown, while Chinese inflation eased more than expected.

Asian shares drop on trade talks fears, weak US retail