Hong Kong (CNN Business) Asian markets were cautiously optimistic on Thursday, as President Donald Trump's latest remarks on US-China trade talks sent a flicker of hope through the region.

Kospi KOSPI Nikkei 225 N225 South Korea'sadvanced around 1%, while Japan'sedged up about 0.3%.

Hang Seng HSI Shanghai Composite SHCOMP Hong Kong'sgained as much as 0.9%. China'sadded around 0.2%.

Markets have been see-sawing this week, mostly reacting to developments in US-China trade talks

Friday's boost was powered in part by remarks from Trump, who on Thursday said the United States and China are "moving along" on a near-term trade deal. Asked whether Washington will go ahead with additional tariffs in less than two weeks, the president told reporters, "We are not discussing that."

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