Observers also pointed to an editorial in the China Securities Times that said fostering a"bull market" after the virus crisis was crucial to kick-starting the world's number two economy.
"Instead, they are listening to the enthusiastic chorus from the nation's influential state media, which are universally singing bullish from the same song page."'NOT AS BAD' AS FEAREDBut Hong Kong dipped 0.2 per cent, having climbed more than six per cent over the previous four trading days, while Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei and Manila were also in negative territory.
But that came as several states reported new daily records for new cases as officials struggled to bring the outbreak under control and some reimposing lockdowns.