Asian stock markets are mostly higher on Tuesday, the first trading day of 2018, as investors digested upbeat China manufacturing PMI data for the month of December. Sentiment was also boosted after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he is open to talks with South Korea. China Caixin manufacturing PMI showed a December reading of 51.5, beating expectations and also touching a four-month high. The Australian market recovered from a weak start and is edging higher. Gains by mining stocks helped offset weakness in oil stocks.