Tokyo stocks rose Monday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index climbing for a second straight session, as investors took heart after the leaders of both the United States and China late last week gave positive signals about their ongoing trade talks.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 179.93 points, or 0.78 percent, from Friday at 23,292.81. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished 11.62 points, or 0.69 percent, higher at 1,702.96.

Nearly all industrial categories advanced, led by mining, iron and steel, and marine transportation issues.

The Nikkei briefly advanced more than 230 points, or 1 percent, on U.S. President Donald Trump's remark in a telephone interview on television that a partial deal with China is "potentially very close," brokers said.

His comment, as well as a remark by Chinese President Xi Jinping that China has been "working actively to try not to have a trade war," sparked expectations of a near-term trade agreement between the world's two largest economies, they said.

"U.S.-China trade will likely continue to serve as the biggest market-moving factor this week as the Dec. 15 U.S. tariff hike deadline draws near," said Akira Tanoue, senior strategist at Nomura Securities Co.'s investment research and investor services department.

Tokyo stocks were also boosted by gains in the Hong Kong equity market after pro-democracy candidates claimed a majority in the district council elections, the brokers said.

"Investors were relieved somewhat as the victory would calm violent protests and bring stability" to the Asian financial hub, said Makoto Sengoku, a market analyst at the Tokai Tokyo Research Institute.

However, close attention will be paid to the Chinese government's response to the development, Sengoku added, as it could cause "uncertainties over the U.S-China trade talks if China acts against the will of the people."

On the First Section, advancing issues outnumbered decliners 1,555 to 508, while 91 ended unchanged.

Toshiba surged 120 yen, or 3.6 percent, to 3,470 yen after announcing it has developed a cancer detection method with 99 percent accuracy that uses only a single drop of blood.

Chip-related issues gained ground on expectations that a U.S.-China trade deal would help boost semiconductor demand once the global economy is put back on track, with Sumco advancing 33 yen, or 2.0 percent, to 1,691 yen, Screen Holdings climbing 120 yen, or 1.7 percent, to 7,150 yen and Tokyo Electron rising 295 yen, or 1.3 percent, to 22,200 yen.

Trading volume on the main section fell to 1,011.01 million shares from Friday's 1,117.11 million shares.

==Kyodo

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