China's stocks rose the most in almost two weeks after the nation's trade expanded more than economists estimated and easing inflation provided leeway to policymakers to ease monetary policy.

China Cosco Holdings Co, the world's largest operator of dry-bulk ships, climbed 3.8 percent on prospects increasing imports and exports will boost demand for marine transport. SAIC Motor Corp led an advance for automakers after passenger-car sales beat analysts' expectations.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 24.41 points, or 1.1 percent, to 2,305.86 at the close, the biggest gain since May 29. The CSI 300 Index advanced 1.3 percent to 2,558.26. The Bloomberg China-US 55 Index, the measure of the most-traded US-listed Chinese companies, retreated 0.4 percent in New York on Friday.

The Shanghai measure slid 3.9 percent last week, the most since the five days ended Dec 16.

Agencies - China Daily