Hong Kong stocks ended higher on Thursday, helped by services and energy companies, though gains were capped amid renewed concerns over China-US trade tensions. At close of trade, the Hang Seng index rose 0.3 percent to 30,760.41 points, while the China Enterprises Index gained 0.5 percent, to 12,152.62 points.
US President Donald Trump signalled a new direction in US-China trade talks and said any deal would need "a different structure," fuelling uncertainty over current negotiations. The top gainer on the Hang Seng was China Petroleum and Chemical Corp up 2.86 percent, while the biggest loser was WH Group Ltd, which was down 2.99 percent. Around the region, MSCI's Asia ex-Japan stock index was firmer by 0.3 percent, while Japan's Nikkei index closed down 1.11 percent.
The top gainers among H-shares were China Petroleum and Chemical Corp up 2.86 percent, followed by Hengan International Group Company Ltd gaining 2.41 percent and China Shenhua Energy Co Ltd up 2.23 percent.