Benchmark index rises to 7-month high

China's stocks rose, driving the benchmark index to a seven-month high. Zijin Mining Group Co and Jiangxi Copper Co led gains on expectations rising metals prices will boost the earnings outlook for commodity producers.

Jiangxi Copper jumped 2.6 percent, while Zijin Mining, the nation's biggest gold producer, advanced 1.1 percent. China Shenhua Energy Co advanced 5.8 percent after a newspaper report said the government may raise coal prices.

"The risk of inflation is looming and investors are seeking a hedge in commodities, which will help to boost the earnings of raw-material companies," said Yan Ji, an investment manager at HSBC Jintrust Fund Management Co in Shanghai.