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Iran

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Iran. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Tehran

Head of State

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Head of Government

President Masoud Pezeshkian

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (second from left) is reportedly has reportedly been arranging calls with US President Donald Trump about his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Kyodo

2026 Xi-Trump summit

What did American allies make of Trump’s trip to China to meet Xi?

The meeting Beijing was watched around the world for clues on topics ranging from trade to Taiwan and rare earths.

1 hour agovideocam

US-China relations

As I see it | Beijing had already won before the Trump-Xi summit even started

3 hours agovideocam

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV makers hunt for idled plants in Europe as they expand global influence

5 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Outside In | Xi-Trump summit aside, 2 meetings in Asia matter for global trade

As Trump travelled to Beijing for the kind of bilateral dealmaking he prefers, two groups have continued their multilateral efforts.

15 May 2026 - 4:30PMvideocam

US tech bosses and officials attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14 as US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrive. Photo: AP

China exports

Australian trade minister to visit China to secure fuel during Iran war crunch

Beijing tightened jet fuel exports after the war broke out, forcing Canberra to seek alternative suppliers.

5 hours agovideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker, May 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China right after the Trump-Xi summit.

15 May 2026 - 3:05PM

Britain

Turning over a new leaf: why UK’s green mandate is a win for Asia

The Green Party’s record-breaking gains in UK council elections are a sign voters are taking climate change seriously, analysts say.

15 May 2026 - 2:45PMvideocam

Members of the Green Party celebrate a win in Bellingham in south London on May 9. Photo: EPA

Asian cinema

Review | Parallel Tales: Asghar Farhadi misfires with latest French excursion

This tale of voyeurism in Paris, starring Vincent Cassel, Virginie Efira and Isabelle Huppert, lacks any tension or romantic intrigue.

15 May 2026 - 1:58PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

As Trump wraps up China trip, what will he and Xi take from historic summit?

Donald Trump concludes milestone China visit after Xi Jinping shows him around Zhongnanhai.

1 hour agovideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong maintains 2026 growth forecast at 2.5% to 3.5%

Government also raises headline inflation forecast for year to 2.6 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent projected in February’s budget.

57 minutes ago

Tourists at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront during the Easter holiday in April. Photo: Eugene Lee

2026 Xi-Trump summit

After Xi-Trump, China tech stocks retreat as market weighs ‘fantastic’ deals

Mainland benchmarks slip as investors lock in profits following Beijing summit, while analysts say the lack of specific deal terms suggests a deterioration ‘freeze’.

4 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during his state visit to Beijing on May 14, 2026. Photo: Pool via Reuters

China travel

China’s hotel sector shines, poised to outperform through 2026 on strong demand

International hotel chains ride China’s travel rebound, posting gains as domestic demand and inbound flows strengthen.

15 May 2026 - 9:50AM

US-China relations

Editorial | Xi-Trump summit in Beijing heralds start of constructive, stable relations

Through the meticulously planned welcome ceremony and Xi Jinping’s remarks, Beijing has emphasised the importance of stable bilateral ties to the world.

15 May 2026 - 7:15AM

US-China trade war

The US-China trade war is entering a worrying new phase

The US and China are racing to roll out competing sanctions, rules and regulations, leaving firms trapped in a legal Catch-22.

15 May 2026 - 11:04AMvideocam

Brics

Opinion | Brics is less a structure than a sentiment

Despite lacking geopolitical alignment, Brics captures a prevailing mood among emerging economies that won’t fade away any time soon.

15 May 2026 - 7:36AM

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (left) and President Xi Jinping attend the 2023 Brics Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 24, 2023. Photo: AFP

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Xi-Trump summit day 1: everything you need to know from the meeting in Beijing

From an elaborate welcome parade to what the two leaders discussed, here is everything you need to know from Xi and Trump’s meeting in Beijing.

15 May 2026 - 7:28AM

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Trump says Xi offered help on Iran as China seeks to keep Hormuz open

Chinese leader’s overture underscores how global issues are increasingly shaping US-China diplomacy and trade talks.

15 May 2026 - 6:16AMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

How did the US and China tell 2 different stories about the summit?

Beijing highlights the need for stable ties and peace, while Washington focuses on fentanyl and agricultural products.

14 May 2026 - 11:20PMvideocam

In Beijing’s readout, the sections attributed to President Trump focused mostly on his praise for China and its “great leader”. Photo: AP

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Macroscope | Trump-Xi summit puts US vulnerabilities on display

China weaponising rare earths turned the tables on Trump, showing how unprepared Western governments and firms were for a full trade war.

14 May 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Hormuz crisis tarnishing copper production, raising costs, Chinese analysts say

China Minmetals Economic Research Institute says disruption of sulphur shipments through strait is having ripple effects on copper production.

14 May 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Xi-Trump summit casts optimistic light on lingering tensions

The presidents of China and the United States focused on cooperation and potential trade, rather than tougher issues, as they opened the first day of talks in Beijing.

14 May 2026 - 5:00PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping at US President Donald Trump in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

India

Iran’s ‘anti-American’ rhetoric tests India’s balancing act at Brics meeting

Foreign Minister Araghchi seeks the bloc’s backing against US pressure in New Delhi, but India likely to prioritise de-escalation and trade.

14 May 2026 - 1:22PMvideocam

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (right) shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during the Brics meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Rubio calls on China to play a more ‘active’ role in ending Iran war

The Middle East crisis will come into sharp focus during the Xi-Trump summit as Marco Rubio says it threatens to ‘destabilise Asia’.

14 May 2026 - 2:43PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

‘Transactional’ but pivotal: how Xi-Trump talks could redefine fault lines

Chinese and US leaders are likely to focus on stability and achievable outcomes rather than breakthroughs when they meet in Beijing.

14 May 2026 - 12:19PMvideocam

US-China relations

US Senate warns of China’s nuclear capabilities hours before Xi-Trump summit

Beijing engaged in ‘unprecedented nuclear expansion’ in recent years that includes ‘hundreds of new missile silos’, senator tells hearing.

14 May 2026 - 8:59AMvideocam

DF-5C nuclear missiles are displayed during a military parade in Beijing in September 2025. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

UAE denies Israel’s Netanyahu made secret visit during Iran war

Netanyahu’s office claims a ‘historic breakthrough’, but Abu Dhabi dismisses reports of any clandestine meeting.

14 May 2026 - 10:39AM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during an event in Jerusalem in April. Photo: Reuters

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Wary mood to mark Xi-Trump summit with irritants aplenty on both sides: analysts

Observers noted the number of recent strategic and trade blows, including the war on Iran, have not derailed the meeting from going ahead.

14 May 2026 - 1:50AMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

What does Pete Hegseth’s presence in China say about Trump’s military agenda?

US arms sales to Taiwan, nuclear weapons and military-to-military communication will be among topics discussed, experts say.

13 May 2026 - 9:36PMvideocam

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Iran

What did American allies make of Trump’s trip to China to meet Xi?

The meeting Beijing was watched around the world for clues on topics ranging from trade to Taiwan and rare earths.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | Beijing had already won before the Trump-Xi summit even started

Chinese EV makers hunt for idled plants in Europe as they expand global influence

Outside In | Xi-Trump summit aside, 2 meetings in Asia matter for global trade

As Trump travelled to Beijing for the kind of bilateral dealmaking he prefers, two groups have continued their multilateral efforts.

Australian trade minister to visit China to secure fuel during Iran war crunch

Beijing tightened jet fuel exports after the war broke out, forcing Canberra to seek alternative suppliers.

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker, May 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China right after the Trump-Xi summit.

Turning over a new leaf: why UK’s green mandate is a win for Asia

The Green Party’s record-breaking gains in UK council elections are a sign voters are taking climate change seriously, analysts say.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Review | Parallel Tales: Asghar Farhadi misfires with latest French excursion

This tale of voyeurism in Paris, starring Vincent Cassel, Virginie Efira and Isabelle Huppert, lacks any tension or romantic intrigue.

As Trump wraps up China trip, what will he and Xi take from historic summit?

Donald Trump concludes milestone China visit after Xi Jinping shows him around Zhongnanhai.

Hong Kong maintains 2026 growth forecast at 2.5% to 3.5%

Government also raises headline inflation forecast for year to 2.6 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent projected in February’s budget.

After Xi-Trump, China tech stocks retreat as market weighs ‘fantastic’ deals

Mainland benchmarks slip as investors lock in profits following Beijing summit, while analysts say the lack of specific deal terms suggests a deterioration ‘freeze’.

China’s hotel sector shines, poised to outperform through 2026 on strong demand

International hotel chains ride China’s travel rebound, posting gains as domestic demand and inbound flows strengthen.

Editorial | Xi-Trump summit in Beijing heralds start of constructive, stable relations

Through the meticulously planned welcome ceremony and Xi Jinping’s remarks, Beijing has emphasised the importance of stable bilateral ties to the world.

The US-China trade war is entering a worrying new phase

The US and China are racing to roll out competing sanctions, rules and regulations, leaving firms trapped in a legal Catch-22.

Opinion | Brics is less a structure than a sentiment

Despite lacking geopolitical alignment, Brics captures a prevailing mood among emerging economies that won’t fade away any time soon.

Xi-Trump summit day 1: everything you need to know from the meeting in Beijing

From an elaborate welcome parade to what the two leaders discussed, here is everything you need to know from Xi and Trump’s meeting in Beijing.

Trump says Xi offered help on Iran as China seeks to keep Hormuz open

Chinese leader’s overture underscores how global issues are increasingly shaping US-China diplomacy and trade talks.

How did the US and China tell 2 different stories about the summit?

Beijing highlights the need for stable ties and peace, while Washington focuses on fentanyl and agricultural products.

Macroscope | Trump-Xi summit puts US vulnerabilities on display

China weaponising rare earths turned the tables on Trump, showing how unprepared Western governments and firms were for a full trade war.

Hormuz crisis tarnishing copper production, raising costs, Chinese analysts say

China Minmetals Economic Research Institute says disruption of sulphur shipments through strait is having ripple effects on copper production.

Xi-Trump summit casts optimistic light on lingering tensions

The presidents of China and the United States focused on cooperation and potential trade, rather than tougher issues, as they opened the first day of talks in Beijing.

Iran’s ‘anti-American’ rhetoric tests India’s balancing act at Brics meeting

Foreign Minister Araghchi seeks the bloc’s backing against US pressure in New Delhi, but India likely to prioritise de-escalation and trade.

Rubio calls on China to play a more ‘active’ role in ending Iran war

The Middle East crisis will come into sharp focus during the Xi-Trump summit as Marco Rubio says it threatens to ‘destabilise Asia’.

‘Transactional’ but pivotal: how Xi-Trump talks could redefine fault lines

Chinese and US leaders are likely to focus on stability and achievable outcomes rather than breakthroughs when they meet in Beijing.

US Senate warns of China’s nuclear capabilities hours before Xi-Trump summit

Beijing engaged in ‘unprecedented nuclear expansion’ in recent years that includes ‘hundreds of new missile silos’, senator tells hearing.

UAE denies Israel’s Netanyahu made secret visit during Iran war

Netanyahu’s office claims a ‘historic breakthrough’, but Abu Dhabi dismisses reports of any clandestine meeting.

Wary mood to mark Xi-Trump summit with irritants aplenty on both sides: analysts

Observers noted the number of recent strategic and trade blows, including the war on Iran, have not derailed the meeting from going ahead.

What does Pete Hegseth’s presence in China say about Trump’s military agenda?

US arms sales to Taiwan, nuclear weapons and military-to-military communication will be among topics discussed, experts say.

As I see it | Beijing had already won before the Trump-Xi summit even started

Review | Parallel Tales: Asghar Farhadi misfires with latest French excursion