Stocks in Asia were mixed in Friday morning trade as investors continue to watch for developments on U.S.-China trade following a recent escalation in tensions over Hong Kong.

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.24% in early trade, with shares of index heavyweight and robot maker Fanuc gaining 1.1%. The Topix also advanced 0.11%.

South Korea's Kospi, on the other hand, slipped 0.1%. The Bank of Korea set to make its interest rate decision on Friday.

Meanwhile, shares in Australia edged higher in morning trade, with the S&P/ASX 200 up around 0.3%.

Overall, the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index traded 0.07% higher.

Source : CNBC