Hong Kong (CNN Business) Stocks in Asia struggled for direction Wednesday as investors received mixed signals ahead of another round of US tariffs on Chinese goods expected December 15.

Nikkei 225 N225 Hang Seng Index HSI Japan'sdropped 0.2%. Hong Kong'sseesawed in early trading. It was last up 0.1%.

Kospi KOSPI South Korea'salso veered between small gains and losses. It was last up 0.3%.

Shanghai Composite SHCOMP China'sbriefly dipped into the red, but then inched up 0.1%.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that American and Chinese negotiators are working to delay the next round of duties. But White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said later that the decision will ultimately be up to President Donald Trump.

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