China's stocks rose, driving the benchmark index to its highest level in nine months, as financial companies advanced on optimism the government will increase spending to meet economic growth targets.

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co and Shenzhen Development Bank Co gained over 2 percent after an economic planning official said the government might introduce extra stimulus measures.

"The government is quite determined to get a recovery," said Philippe Zhang, chief investment officer at AXA SPDB Investment Managers in Shanghai. "The market is still quite strong."