Asian stock indices closed slightly higher after the manufacturing purchasing managers' index from China. Chinese manufacturing figures missed analysts' expectations. China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index fell to 51.1 in August from 51.7 in July, missing expectations for a decline to 51.2.

China's final HSBC manufacturing purchasing managers' index decreased to 50.2 in August from 50.3 in July, in line with expectations.

Investors speculate China may add more stimulus measures.

Capital spending in Japan rose 3.0% in the second quarter, after a 7.4% increase in the first quarter.

Escalating tensions over Ukraine continued to weigh on markets.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,476.6 +52.01 +0.34%

Hang Seng 24,752.09 +10.03 +0.04%

Shanghai Composite 2,235.51 +18.31 +0.83%