Asian markets were mixed on Wednesday morning after Cypriot lawmakers comprehensively rejected a plan to tax savings as part of a crucial bailout deal, amid fears over the eurozone financial system.

The euro also slipped but avoided tumbling against the yen and dollar as European leaders sought to sooth investor concerns, saying they were willing to work with Nicosia to help it avoid bankruptcy.

Hong Kong rose 0.62 per cent, Shanghai climbed 0.90 per cent, while Sydney fell 0.73 per cent and Seoul lost 0.64 per cent.

Tokyo was closed for a public holiday.