Hong Kong stocks climbed into the midday session. The Hang Seng Index was up 1.46% and the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 1.39% at the break. Life-science tools and biotech led sector gains; passenger airlines were among the laggards. Notable movers: Zhaoyan New Drug (06127.HK) +21.53%, MINIMAX-W (00100.HK) +14.96%, Yingsi Intelligent (03969.HK) nearly +13%, Jingfang Pharma (02595.HK) +12.81%. Internet names: Meituan (03690.HK) +over 4%, Alibaba (09988.HK) nearly +3%, Bilibili (09626.HK) and JD.com (

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said the Fed will adhere to its responsibilities; the more it does so, the less it will be drawn into politics.

The U.S. is advancing talks to reopen an oil pipeline linking Iraq and Syria that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to reduce Iran's ability to disrupt global energy flows. Special envoy Thomas Barrack has convened Iraqi and Syrian officials and companies including Chevron to discuss restarting a long-dormant route; while multiple new-route options are under consideration, talks have focused on rebuilding the Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline, out of service for more than 20 years. A U.S. State Department official said Washington is supporting repairs to expand trade corridors and expects U.S. firms to play a major role in construction. President Trump met Iraq's prime minister and said “large-scale” new oil cooperation would be announced this week or next.