Chinese stocks advanced Thursday, with the Shanghai Composite rising 0.5% to 3,960 and the Shenzhen Component gaining 0.4% to 13,666, ending a two-session losing streak. A private survey showed the Composite PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index, an economic activity gauge) increasing to 52.1 in August from 50.8, supported by stronger services and manufacturing growth. Official data also showed the Composite PMI edging up to 49.5 from 49.3, although the non-manufacturing reading was unchanged at 49. Markets also received support from US President Donald Trump’s effort to ease concerns about a wider confrontation with Iran. Foxconn Industrial Internet, SMIC, Eoptolink Technology and Weichai Power were among the leading gainers.