** Mining stocks .AXMM rise as much as 1.7% to 5,351.8 points; mark biggest intraday percent gain since April 14

** Iron ore prices hit their highest in nearly three weeks on hopes of U.S.-China trade talks and strengthening seasonal demand IRONORE/

** BHP BHP.AX, the world's largest listed miner, gains as much as 1.5% to its highest since April 2

** Rio Tinto RIO.AX and Fortescue FMG.AX add 1.1% and 2.1%, respectively

** YTD, AXMM up 1.5%

(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)

((nichiket.sunil@thomsonreuters.com))