As per new rules all goods from Xinjiang, where Chinese authorities established detention camps for Uighurs and other Muslim groups, are made with forced labour and barred from import unless it can be proven otherwise.

Asian share markets started cautiously on Monday as a run of soft U.S. data suggested downside risks for this week`s June payrolls report, while the hubbub over possible recession was still driving a relief rally in government bonds.

North Korea`s foreign ministry spokesperson said as much to a question put by KCNA, the state news agency reported on Sunday.

Brent crude futures were up $2.71, or 2.5%, at $111.74 a barrel by 1:26 p.m. EDT (1726 GMT), while West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) gained $2.81, or 2.7%, to $108.57 a barrel.