Hong Kong stocks opened higher: Hang Seng Index up 0.23%, Hang Seng TECH Index up 0.55%. Kingboard Holdings (00148.HK) rose 6.54%; Kingboard Laminates Holdings (01888.HK) rose 5.4%.

Kremlin spokesman Peskov said Russia remains open to peace talks and expects the United States to play a mediating role; Moscow has welcomed visits by U.S. presidential envoys Witkov and Jared Kushner and, despite their prolonged absence, continues U.S. contact via existing channels. He said Ukrainian forces, citing front-line deterioration, have stepped up attacks on Russian infrastructure; Russian forces are creating a border security buffer with visible effects and are advancing steadily in the special military operation area. Peskov added that the EU’s shift into a military-political bloc has worsened the Ukraine situation and Russia hopes the EU will not undermine prospects for negotiations.

Thailand's June CPI rose 2.42% YoY, slowing for a second month from May's 2.79% and below a 2.7% market median, the commerce ministry said on Monday. The slowdown suggests the oil-price shock's inflation impact may have peaked in April, easing fears of a sustained energy-driven price surge, though underlying price pressures continue to build. The print reinforces the BOT's view that recent price rises are insufficient to warrant an immediate hike and supports its willingness to tolerate short-term price pressure to back growth. Economists expect Philippines June inflation, due Tuesday, to also moderate.