Hong Kong stocks rose on Thursday following a jump on Wall Street, after the Trump administration delayed auto tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

The Hang Seng Index rose 392 points, or 1.67 percent, to open at 23,987 points.

It soon soared past 24,000, reaching a three-year high.

The Hang Seng Tech Index, which represents 30 largest technology companies listed in Hong Kong, climbed over three percent.

Elsewhere, South Korean shares rose, with the benchmark Kospi up 0.58 percent, at 2,572 as of 0128 GMT.

South Korea's consumer inflation softened in February for the first time in four months, data showed on Thursday, providing at least some relief to policymakers looking to further ease monetary policy.

Australian shares fell on Thursday, dragged down by energy and bank stocks, while investors assessed the economic implications of the country's top trading partner China unlocking more fiscal stimulus.

The S&P/ASX 200 index dropped 0.6percent to hit 8,096, as of 1205 GMT. (Agencies)