Asian stock markets opened lower on Thursday, weighed down by fresh reports that the Trump administration is considering additional restrictions on Chinese technology firms.
The news added to a week of volatility in the region, where investors have already been digesting the broader escalation in US trade policy.
The sell-off reflects growing anxiety over the potential for further decoupling between the world’s two largest economies.
While the specific details of the proposed technology curbs remain unconfirmed, the mere prospect of new barriers has been enough to spook risk appetite across Asian bourses.
This follows a sharp downturn earlier in the week, when Asian markets opened significantly lower after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs targeting more than 80 countries.
The Shanghai Composite and other mainland benchmarks have struggled to find footing amid the uncertainty.