Chinese shares opened lower on Thursday as renewed U.S.-Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher, raising concerns over inflation and global risk sentiment.
The Shanghai Composite Index, the main gauge of Chinese stocks, opened 0.3% lower at 3,939.09. The Shenzhen Component Index fell 0.6% to 13,641.18.
The pullback follows a 3.4% surge in Brent crude to $101.21 per barrel on Wednesday amid escalating military disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Higher energy costs have heightened concerns over sustained global inflation and tighter monetary conditions.