Hong Kong shares end morning higher on China stocks; CNOOC, Jiangxi Copper surge.

(From AFX Europe (Focus))

HONG KONG (XFN-ASIA) - Share prices finished the morning higher led by China stocks as the Shanghai bourse extended its gains after authorities took further measures to prop up the markets.

Oil firm CNOOC surged nearly 5.5 pct after a sharp rise in crude oil prices on Friday, while Jiangxi Copper jumped over 10 pct after announcing plans to raise up to 6.8 bln yuan from a convertible bond issue, partly to fund potential overseas acquisitions.

Dealers said the market came off its early highs as some investors were doubtful if the US government's bailout plan for financial institutions will end the problems plaguing the …