Asian stock markets experienced a mixed yet generally positive session on Monday, buoyed by stronger-than-expected economic data from China.

The region's equities mostly advanced, driven by an unexpected improvement in China's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), which exceeded market expectations and indicated a certain level of resilience in the world's second-largest economy.

China's official manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.4 in August, up from 49.8 in July, surpassing analysts' forecasts of 50.0. This marks the first time in five months that the PMI has crossed the 50-point threshold, signaling expansion rather than contraction. The increase was primarily fueled by a rise in new orders and production, suggesting stabilization in China's manufacturing sector after months of sluggish performance. This positive surprise lifted investor sentiment across Asia, with many interpreting it as a sign that China's economy might be on the road to recovery.

Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 1.2%, bolstered not only by favorable Chinese data but also by a weaker yen, which benefited exporters. In South Korea, the KOSPI added 0.8%, supported by gains in the tech sector, often reflecting broader market confidence in global economic conditions. However, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index posted a more modest rise of 0.4%, as investors remained cautious amid ongoing concerns about the city's economic outlook and the state of its real estate sector.