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Italy

The latest breaking news and stories on Italy, a country in southern Europe known as a parliamentary republic, and the world’s eighth largest economy. Also covering Italy’s relationship with China and Europe, plus commentary and updates on Italy’s economy, politics, society and social issues.

Capital

Rome

Head of State

President Sergio Mattarella

Head of Government

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Oil exploration investments across Africa declined after many Western oil majors retreated from long-term fossil investments, according to the African Petroleum Producers Organization. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

African producers may have energy edge in Iran war, if they can overcome hurdles

Analysts say oil from Africa may be lower-risk alternative, coinciding with a fresh push for infrastructure to supply Europe.

2 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong economy

Visiting galleries may keep artworks in Hong Kong for months due to shipping chaos

24 Mar 2026 - 6:37PM

Giorgia Meloni

Italian voters reject judicial reform in setback for Meloni

24 Mar 2026 - 1:11PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Art March celebrations press on amid Middle East conflict disruptions

Flight cancellations via the region leave art fair participants juggling logistics, though organisers say impact remains limited.

23 Mar 2026 - 3:08PM

Art March brings Asia’s largest contemporary art fairs, Art Basel and Art Central, to Hong Kong with events across the city. Photo: Elson Li

Style Edit

Style Edit: Valentino returns to Rome for Alessandro Michele’s FW 2026 show

The glamorous front row at the show in Palazzo Barberini included Gwyneth Paltrow, Colman Domingo, Lily Allen, Tyla and Thai star Jeff Satur.

24 Mar 2026 - 11:50AM

Indonesia

Opinion | Indonesia’s new aircraft carrier is more vanity project than war machine

The jet-less carrier might buy Jakarta a seat at the elite table, but it offers no advantage in modern naval warfare.

22 Mar 2026 - 10:00AM

Tourism

‘Most beautiful’ cloister in Rome hides a dramatic and dark past

Two popes were elected, and Galileo interrogated by the Roman Inquisition, behind the walls of this Roman cloister, steps from the Pantheon.

21 Mar 2026 - 5:15PM

Rome’s hidden Santa Maria Sopra Minerva cloister is steeped in papal history and Renaissance art. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

21 Mar 2026 - 12:55AMvideocam

Malaysia

Some tourists in Malaysia make most of ‘extended’ holiday amid flight mess

Stranded European visitors in Malaysia navigate visa extensions and rebooking woes as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

20 Mar 2026 - 12:36PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

As war in Iran roils energy markets, Europe pays price of ‘dependency’

Governments are racing to respond, as oil and gas prices raise fears of a further spike in living costs.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

A man refuels his car in a petrol station in Villeneuve d’Ascq, north France, on March 11. Photo: Xinhua

European Union

Hundreds die crossing Mediterranean as 2026 already smashes records

At least 655 migrants died or went missing in January and February taking one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.

19 Mar 2026 - 3:07PM

Migrants from Syria and Libya call for help as they are assisted by Spanish NGO Open Arms south of the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2022. Photo: AP

Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong Tourism Board to woo overnight big spenders, diversify visitor mix

Board executive director Anthony Lau says 75 per cent of its resources will go towards overseas markets.

18 Mar 2026 - 9:44PM

Style Edit

Style Edit: Anteprima unveiled nostalgic artistry during Milan Fashion Week

The Milan-based label’s fall/winter 2026 collection explored time and memory.

12 Mar 2026 - 3:26PM

Ukraine war

Ukraine protests Russia’s participation in Venice Biennale

Organisers have said Russia could participate for the first time since launching its all-out invasion in 2022.

9 Mar 2026 - 12:58PM

The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Macron to visit Cyprus, French warships deployed as war in Middle East rages

The president’s visit will demonstrate France’s solidarity with Cyprus following Iranian strikes and underscore the importance of maritime security in the region.

9 Mar 2026 - 8:14PMvideocam

The French aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle passes through the Strait of Gibraltar off the coast of southern Spain in Tarifa on March 6. Photo: AFP

Iran

How far could the war with Iran spread beyond the Middle East?

From Turkey and the Caucasus to South Asia, analysts warn the war could ignite new flashpoints along regional fault lines.

6 Mar 2026 - 6:29PMvideocam

Middle East

Letters | As the US attacks Iran, the ancient Battle of Carrhae offers lessons

Readers discuss the war in the Middle East, the opportunity for Colombians in Hong Kong to vote, the importance of teacher well-being, and the poon choi tradition.

6 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

United States

Opinion | Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu don’t deserve to be caught in culture wars

The issue is not that one chose to represent China and another the US but that both have been dragged into culture wars not of their making.

6 Mar 2026 - 10:17AMvideocam

US gold medallist Alysa Liu celebrates victory with her national flag in Milan, Italy, on February 19. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

European states move to secure Red Sea navigation, protect Cyprus

Italy, ‌Spain, France and the Netherlands will send naval assets to protect Cyprus in the coming days.

5 Mar 2026 - 11:40PMvideocam

Hong Kong tourism

Sky-high jump in airfares from Hong Kong to Europe, Americas – even Asian cities

Economy-class fares to Paris, Rome and New York surge while cheapest return flight to Tokyo costs nearly HK$5,000.

5 Mar 2026 - 6:12PMvideocam

From our archives

On This Day | Ang Lee becomes first Asian person to win directing Oscar in 2006 – SCMP archive

Twenty years ago on March 5, 2006, Lee won the Academy Award for best director for the film Brokeback Mountain.

5 Mar 2026 - 10:54AM

Ang Lee holds his Oscar for achievement in directing. He is the first Asian winner of the award. Photo: EPA

Style Edit

Style Edit: Furla’s SS26 Milan-inspired bags exude Italian poise

Adventurous textures, canvas stripes and refined colour palettes define the effortless Italian style of Furla’s spring-summer bags.

3 Mar 2026 - 10:00AM

Furla’s spring/summer 2026 collection will bring a burst of colour to any wardrobe. Photo: Handout

Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week 2026: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Tod’s and Ferragamo

Emily Ratajkowski and Kate Moss both took to the runway for Demna’s Gucci show, while Louise Trotter followed up her debut at Bottega Veneta last season.

2 Mar 2026 - 1:54PM

The Philippines

Indonesia is getting an aircraft carrier. The Philippines isn’t. Does it matter?

Indonesia wants to project power. The Philippines wants to deny it. In the South China Sea, one approach may matter more than the other.

1 Mar 2026 - 10:00AM

Maria Grazia Chiuri

Maria Grazia Chiuri on Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld and more – in her own words

Chiuri was at Valentino and Dior before returning to Fendi, where she worked in the 1990s – she just made her debut as chief creative officer for the brand at Milan Fashion Week.

27 Feb 2026 - 12:40PM

Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week 2026: Prada, Max Mara and Marni pull out all the stops

Models like Bella Hadid wore layers for Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’ runway, with Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg in the front row, while Marni went bold.

27 Feb 2026 - 10:59AM

Models in a semi-state of undress at Prada. Photo: EPA

Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week 2026: Fendi, Diesel and Jil Sander highlights

Chiuri – previously at Valentino and Dior – made a stellar debut with Fendi, while Diesel’s Instagrammable runway turned heads.

26 Feb 2026 - 10:39AM

Donald Trump

US women’s ice hockey captain responds to ‘distasteful’ Trump remark

Hilary Knight, who led her squad to an Olympic gold medal, says the president’s joke overshadowed the achievements of American athletes.

26 Feb 2026 - 7:59AM

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Italy

African producers may have energy edge in Iran war, if they can overcome hurdles

Analysts say oil from Africa may be lower-risk alternative, coinciding with a fresh push for infrastructure to supply Europe.

Visiting galleries may keep artworks in Hong Kong for months due to shipping chaos

Italian voters reject judicial reform in setback for Meloni

Hong Kong’s Art March celebrations press on amid Middle East conflict disruptions

Flight cancellations via the region leave art fair participants juggling logistics, though organisers say impact remains limited.

Style Edit: Valentino returns to Rome for Alessandro Michele’s FW 2026 show

The glamorous front row at the show in Palazzo Barberini included Gwyneth Paltrow, Colman Domingo, Lily Allen, Tyla and Thai star Jeff Satur.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Indonesia’s new aircraft carrier is more vanity project than war machine

The jet-less carrier might buy Jakarta a seat at the elite table, but it offers no advantage in modern naval warfare.

‘Most beautiful’ cloister in Rome hides a dramatic and dark past

Two popes were elected, and Galileo interrogated by the Roman Inquisition, behind the walls of this Roman cloister, steps from the Pantheon.

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

Some tourists in Malaysia make most of ‘extended’ holiday amid flight mess

Stranded European visitors in Malaysia navigate visa extensions and rebooking woes as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

As war in Iran roils energy markets, Europe pays price of ‘dependency’

Governments are racing to respond, as oil and gas prices raise fears of a further spike in living costs.

Hundreds die crossing Mediterranean as 2026 already smashes records

At least 655 migrants died or went missing in January and February taking one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.

Hong Kong Tourism Board to woo overnight big spenders, diversify visitor mix

Board executive director Anthony Lau says 75 per cent of its resources will go towards overseas markets.

Style Edit: Anteprima unveiled nostalgic artistry during Milan Fashion Week

The Milan-based label’s fall/winter 2026 collection explored time and memory.

Ukraine protests Russia’s participation in Venice Biennale

Organisers have said Russia could participate for the first time since launching its all-out invasion in 2022.

Macron to visit Cyprus, French warships deployed as war in Middle East rages

The president’s visit will demonstrate France’s solidarity with Cyprus following Iranian strikes and underscore the importance of maritime security in the region.

How far could the war with Iran spread beyond the Middle East?

From Turkey and the Caucasus to South Asia, analysts warn the war could ignite new flashpoints along regional fault lines.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | As the US attacks Iran, the ancient Battle of Carrhae offers lessons

Readers discuss the war in the Middle East, the opportunity for Colombians in Hong Kong to vote, the importance of teacher well-being, and the poon choi tradition.

Opinion | Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu don’t deserve to be caught in culture wars

The issue is not that one chose to represent China and another the US but that both have been dragged into culture wars not of their making.

European states move to secure Red Sea navigation, protect Cyprus

Italy, ‌Spain, France and the Netherlands will send naval assets to protect Cyprus in the coming days.

Sky-high jump in airfares from Hong Kong to Europe, Americas – even Asian cities

Economy-class fares to Paris, Rome and New York surge while cheapest return flight to Tokyo costs nearly HK$5,000.

On This Day | Ang Lee becomes first Asian person to win directing Oscar in 2006 – SCMP archive

Twenty years ago on March 5, 2006, Lee won the Academy Award for best director for the film Brokeback Mountain.

Style Edit: Furla’s SS26 Milan-inspired bags exude Italian poise

Adventurous textures, canvas stripes and refined colour palettes define the effortless Italian style of Furla’s spring-summer bags.

Milan Fashion Week 2026: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Tod’s and Ferragamo

Emily Ratajkowski and Kate Moss both took to the runway for Demna’s Gucci show, while Louise Trotter followed up her debut at Bottega Veneta last season.

Indonesia is getting an aircraft carrier. The Philippines isn’t. Does it matter?

Indonesia wants to project power. The Philippines wants to deny it. In the South China Sea, one approach may matter more than the other.

Maria Grazia Chiuri on Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld and more – in her own words

Chiuri was at Valentino and Dior before returning to Fendi, where she worked in the 1990s – she just made her debut as chief creative officer for the brand at Milan Fashion Week.

Milan Fashion Week 2026: Prada, Max Mara and Marni pull out all the stops

Models like Bella Hadid wore layers for Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’ runway, with Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg in the front row, while Marni went bold.

Milan Fashion Week 2026: Fendi, Diesel and Jil Sander highlights

Chiuri – previously at Valentino and Dior – made a stellar debut with Fendi, while Diesel’s Instagrammable runway turned heads.

US women’s ice hockey captain responds to ‘distasteful’ Trump remark

Hilary Knight, who led her squad to an Olympic gold medal, says the president’s joke overshadowed the achievements of American athletes.

Opinion | Indonesia’s new aircraft carrier is more vanity project than war machine

Letters | As the US attacks Iran, the ancient Battle of Carrhae offers lessons