The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong advanced by 1.86%, adding 446 points to reach 24,476. The Hang Seng Tech Index rose by 2.69%. Turnover at the midday break amounted to HK$1,884 billion. The Hang Seng Innovative Medicine Index surged 5.77%.

The release of a new edition of the National Essential Medicines List, which now includes innovative drugs within its selection and adjustment scope, provided a boost. PegBio Co., Ltd. - B (02565) surged over 35%; Kelun-Biotech (06990) gained 7%; Ascletis Pharma Inc. - B (01672) rose 6%.

Insilico Medicine (03696) climbed over 8%, with its first-half revenue surpassing US$100 million, validating the commercial viability of its "AI+Biotech" model. Baiji Shenzhou - B (02659) jumped over 8% on expectations that its BJ044 candidate could systematically replace existing urine-extracted products. RemeGen Co., Ltd. (09995) increased over 7% after its drug, Telitacicept, was included in the 2026 National Essential Medicines List under "immunosuppressants". Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co., Ltd. - B (02315) rallied over 11% following a recent global collaboration agreement with Whitehawk to co-develop innovative bispecific antibody ADCs.

Metal and mining stocks posted gains across the board. Strong first-half earnings reports from companies in the sector and a view from institutions that oversold conditions may present a recovery potential contributed to the move. Jiangxi Copper Company Limited (00358) advanced 7%; China Hongqiao Group Limited (01378) rose 4.87%; China Molybdenum Co., Ltd. (03993) added 4.22%.

Huaqin Technology Co., Ltd. (03296) gained over 7% as it serves as the contract manufacturer for the Stepfun AI agent smartphone, with significant shipments expected to ramp up this year. ZTE Corporation (00763) rose another 9.96% ahead of the upcoming launch of the second-generation "Doubao Phone", with Morgan Stanley expressing optimism about a potential key inflection point. Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (06869) increased over 5% after its third-largest shareholder completed a share reduction, and the company stands to benefit from rising optical fiber prices.

New listing Jinghe Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd. (02249), the third-largest wafer foundry in mainland China, made its debut, rising 1.18% in the morning session. Another new listing, Binzhou Chemical Share Co., Ltd. (06745), a leading player in the chlor-alkali chemicals industry, fell 12% on its first trading day.

Jinxin Resources Holdings Limited (03636) declined over 6% to hit a new post-IPO low, as the six-month lock-up period for its cornerstone investors expired.