Shares in China traded flat as worries about global growth prospects continued to worry investors. Growth in Chinese business activity softened slightly in April, according to a private survey, raising further questions over the economy's strength. 

    China's Shanghai Composite index was up slightly at 2,995.41 in afternoon trade. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index was down 24.35 points, or 0.1%, at 20,501.48. 

`Trading has remained subdued with markets in Japan shut for three days of national holidays. Japan's market will re-open on Friday. Markets in South Korea have shut for a long weekend from Thursday, and trading there will resume on Monday. 

    In Australia, the benchmark S&P ASX 200 share index edged up 0.1% to 5,279.06.