China stocks ended roughly flat on Wednesday in quiet trading, as many overseas financial markets were closed for Christmas.

The blue-chip CSI300 index fell 0.1 percent, to 3,990.87, while the Shanghai Composite Index was flat at 2,981.88.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a ceremony to sign the first phase of the U.S.-China trade deal agreed to this month.

China will step up support for employment to cope with rising pressure on job security due to internal and external challenges, the cabinet said on Tuesday, as the world's second-largest economy slows.

"At present, China's employment situation is generally stable, but risks and challenges at home and abroad are increasing and the pressure to stabilise employment is increasing," the State Council said in a statement.

The real estate sector slipped 0.3 percent, after China said it will curb financial risks in the rental housing market.