Asian shares opened lower as concerns over China's market sell-off, despite government support measures, made investors cautious across the region.
Chinese shares have lost more than 30% of their value in the last three weeks, despite aggressive steps by authorities such as banning big investors from selling stocks to boost the market.
Concerns over Greece's future in the eurozone also weighed on sentiment.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index was down 2% to 19,333.04 on a stronger yen.
Investors generally buy the yen as a safe bet in times of uncertainty and turmoil.
The dollar was at near a seven-week low hit against the safe-haven yen overnight at 120.815.
But a stronger yen is negative for Japanese exporters, as it erodes their earnings overseas.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 index was down 1.4% to 5,395.50 in early trade.
South Korea's benchmark Kospi index was lower by 0.9% to 1,999.07.