Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index headed for its first gain this week, after U.S. jobless claims fell more than estimated and China and Japan agreed to hold talks over a territorial dispute that has disrupted trade.

Nikkei 225 8,534.12 -12.66 -0.15%

S&P/ASX 200 4,486.6 +3.07 +0.07%

Shanghai Composite 2,104.93 +2.06 +0.10%

Toyota Motor Corp., a Japanese carmaker whose sales in China slumped last month after rioters torched dealerships in protests over disputed islands, added 1.3 percent.

China Cosco Holdings Co. climbed 5 percent, leading Chinese shipping companies higher, after haulage rates for commodities rose.