Most Hong Kong-listed optical-communications stocks rose. Haiguang Xinzhen (01191.HK) climbed more than 7%, Cambridge Technology (06166.HK) and Yangtze Optical Fibre & Cable (06869.HK) rose over 3%, and Hua Hong Hongli (01347.HK) gained more than 2%.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index closed up 20.80 points, or 0.24%, at 8,693.30 on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

On Sept. 16 Houthi forces said they carried out two military operations against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for Saudi air raids this week, striking a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu and the Khamis Mushait airbase. The group claimed Saudi forces had launched “more than 450 airstrikes” across most Yemeni provinces this week. In response, the Houthis said they used dozens of ballistic missiles and drones against the Aramco site in Yanbu, “precisely and directly” hitting targets and causing large fires and severe damage, and fired multiple ballistic missiles that “precisely” hit Khamis Mushait airbase. The statement said the Houthis will continue deep strikes into Saudi territory and target Saudi military concentrations, pursuing “blockade with blockade, escalation with escalation” until Saudi operations against Yemen cease and the blockade is lifted.