China's ChiNext Index slid as much as 2% intraday; the Shenzhen Composite Index fell 1.75% and the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.85%. Memory-chip and advanced-packaging names led the declines.

Zhipu (02513.HK) pulled back, gains narrowed to below 5% after an earlier surge of over 22%.

South Korea will ease mandatory private-sector oil stock requirements from 40 days to 20 days, effective from the 29th, releasing oil equivalent to 20 days’ consumption, a Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official said on the 28th. Seoul has not decided to tap state oil reserves and will keep them as a last-resort tool. The move is intended to fulfil a commitment to the International Energy Agency.