China stocks advance on upbeat trade data

Chinese shares climbed on Wednesday after January trade data came in much stronger than market expectations, brightening the growth prospects of the world's second largest economy.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index went up 0.3 percent, or 6.28 points, to finish at 2,109.96, and the Shenzhen Component Index gained 0.82 percent, or 63.96 points, to close at 7,902.08.