China stocks rise on govt pledges of support, Ukraine peace talks hopes

Markets took a widely expected rate hike by the US Federal Reserve in stride, despite worries about weakening global growth.

China major stock indexes rose on Thursday, extending a jump from the previous session after the country's top policymaker assured markets of stability and support, while hope for a breakthrough in ceasefire talks between Russian and Ukraine also boosted sentiment.

The CSI300 index rose 2.6 % to 4,263.69 points by 3:07 GMT, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 2.1 % to 3,236.98 points. The CSI300 had surged 4.3% on Wednesday and the SSEC 3.5%.

The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong was up 5.1 %, at 21,114.11, after climbing 9.1% in the previous session. Vice Premier Liu He said on Wednesday after