SYDNEY, Oct 15 (Reuters) - U.S. soybeans rose for a third straight session on Thursday as strong demand from China, the world’s largest importer, underpinned prices. FUNDAMENTALS * The most active soybean futures on the Chicago Board Of Trade were up 0.4% at $10.60-3/4 a bushel by 0109 GMT, after gaining 1.2% on Wednesday. * The most active corn futures were up 0.6% at $3.98-3/4 a bushel, after rising 1.3% in the previous session. * The most active wheat futures were up 0.6% at $6.00-1/2 a bushel, having closed up 0.5% on Wednesday. * The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported 264,000 tonnes of U.S. soybean sales to China on Wednesday morning. * Rains in Brazil have been patchy, threatening the country’s soybean planting cycle, industry experts said. * U.S. corn is 41% harvested, above the five-year average of 32% and industry estimate of 39%, USDA said on Tuesday. MARKET NEWS * Oil prices rose slightly in early trade on Thursday, after data showed U.S. crude stockpiles fell last week, adding to 2% gains overnight, as OPEC and its allies were seen fully complying in September with their pact to curb output. * The dollar and yen were supported as surging coronavirus cases and a lack of progress towards a U.S. stimulus package stoked investor nerves, while the Australian dollar hit a one-week low after the central bank chief hinted at easing to come. * Asian markets were off to a mixed start as hopes of U.S. fiscal stimulus before the presidential election faded and a record number of new coronavirus infections in parts of Europe propelled investors toward safe-havens such as gold.