China's stocks and currency came under pressure as markets returning from a week-long break were greeted by a new trade dispute with the United States and ructions in the global artificial intelligence sector.

Asian equities were mixed overnight as the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea outperformed, Thailand underperformed, and Pakistan was closed for Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The first punches have been thrown between the United States and China in what could amount to a short-lived trade dispute with limited economic fallout or the start of yet another lengthy and painful trade war reminiscent of President Donald Trump’s first term.