U.S. Treasury data show Japan held $1.104 tln in U.S. Treasuries in July, down $13 bln from June; China held $618 bln, down $15 bln; the UK held $998 bln, up $58 bln.

Shanghai Composite -0.36%, Shenzhen Composite -0.29%, ChiNext -0.12% at midday. CRO names led gains; Jinshi Yiyao jumped 20% to hit the daily limit. Grain/agriculture stocks advanced, Dunhuang Seed hit the daily limit. Vehicle OEMs were active, with Zotye Auto and others at limit-up. Ice-and-snow economy, media, optoelectronics and property services were also among top gainers. MLCC, PCB, gold, power and oilfield services led declines. About 3,100 stocks fell; half-day turnover exceeded CNY1.2 trillion.

The U.S. State Department said it will extend visa restrictions on Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) members and Palestinian Authority (PA) officials. Israeli media reported the U.S. has for a second consecutive year refused to grant PA President Mahmoud Abbas a U.S. entry visa, forcing him to address the United Nations remotely. The visa-denial notice cited alleged links to terrorist organizations but provided no further details. Dozens of PA officials who sought to travel with him reportedly received similar denials.