Asia-Pacific markets were higher Wednesday, breaking ranks with Wall Street's declines after U.S. and China exchanged blows in a renewed trade feud.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday stateside criticized China for not buying soybeans, calling it an "an economically hostile act." He also threatened "retribution" such as a cooking oil embargo .

"Volatility remains elevated, and the best explanation is the strained relationship between the U.S. and China," Veteran investor Louis Navellier wrote in a note published Wednesday.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 1.76% to 47,672.67 while the Topix added 1.58% to 3,183.64. South Korea's Kospi jumped 2.68% to 3,657.28, while the small-cap Kosdaq added 1.98% to 864.72.

Australia's ASX/S&P 200 was up 1.03

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