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Middle East
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Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A trader monitors share prices at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi, Pakistan, on Monday. Photo: EPA
Pakistan

Pakistan’s IMF-backed recovery under pressure as Iran-US mediation stalls

While Islamabad continues to push for peace, the war threatens to erode its foreign exchange reserves and make financing harder to secure.

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Brics

Iran war tests India’s Brics leadership as ‘political relevance’ questions mount

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US, Israel war on Iran

Global oil price hits 4-year high on concerns Iran war could worsen

Britain

UK to tackle antisemitism ‘emergency’ as police probe double stabbing

This includes £25 million (US$34 million) for more police patrols and protection around synagogues, schools and community centres.

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An Orthodox Jew walks near the scene where a man was arrested, in the Golders Green area, which is home to a large Jewish population, in London. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Oil surge on Trump blockade warning tests stocks’ resilience

Crude oil surged to a four-year high and stocks pared April gains after US President Donald Trump said that a US block of the Strait of Hormuz could last months.

Israel-Gaza war

Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla in international waters off Greece, detaining dozens

Organisers accuse Israel of ‘abduction’ after boats are seized nearly 1,000km from the Palestinian enclave.

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South Korea

Could a ‘reckless’ Trump’s ‘destroy-and-deal’ tactics target North Korea?

A Korean-American leader said the strategy was influenced by ‘new neocons’, urging Seoul to prioritise risk management over diplomacy.

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The launch of a hypersonic missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea in January. Photo: KCNA via KNS/AFP
Hong Kong economy

Industrial costs up 50% in Hong Kong since start of Mideast war: oil executive

Wah Fu Petroleum Company executive pledges to pass on subsidy to customers, while taxi union leader praises government for quick intervention.

Banking & finance

Standard Chartered’s 19% first-quarter profit jump beats estimates

Wealth management gains support earnings, but margin pressure from lower rates and rising credit costs weigh on overall performance.

China-Australia relations

Why China’s jet fuel deal with Australia underscores Canberra’s balancing act

Meeting between top diplomats Wang Yi and Penny Wong signals continuing thaw in bilateral relationship after years of diplomatic freeze.

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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua
Sri Lanka

Elephant in room: can Sri Lanka’s ‘world’s emptiest airport’ attract investors?

Since opening in 2013, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport has failed to generate enough revenue to cover even its electricity bills.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Sri Lanka. Photo: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
US, Israel war on Iran

Crisis surge or lasting shift? China’s solar exports double in a month

Countries respond to massive economic pain with accelerating demand for Chinese PV products but will they maintain the pace?

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump, Putin talk Iran and Ukraine, US energy exports up: what happened overnight

The two conflicts could end on a ‘similar timetable’ US President Donald Trump has said.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump may cut US troops in Germany after ‘humiliating’ Iran comment

The German chancellor has drawn the US president’s ire with his remarks about Tehran besting Washington at the negotiating table.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Interest rates

HKMA warns of interest-rate uncertainty as Fed’s trajectory remains unclear

HSBC, Standard Chartered and Bank of China (Hong Kong) keep their prime and savings rates unchanged.

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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority maintained the city’s base rate at 4 per cent on Thursday. Photo: Jonathan Wong
US-China relations

UN bloated, costly, but China fears to keep US involved, House committee told

Pulling out of international organisation would see Beijing expand its influence and leave Washington at major disadvantage, lawmakers say.

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US, Israel war on Iran

The UAE’s exit from Opec could bring ‘even bigger trouble’: Chinese expert

While the UAE’s departure from oil cartel is disruptive, it could also further drive apart Gulf Cooperation Council members, observer says.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump hails ‘very good’ Putin call as Iran talks stall and Ukraine war drags on

US president says Russian leader offered help on Iran’s enriched uranium and discussed a Victory Day ceasefire in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump meeting in Alaska in 2025. Photo: TNS
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war price tag hits US$25 billion as Hegseth defends record Pentagon budget

Disclosure to Congress comes as the defence chief faces mounting Democratic criticism over spending priorities and strategy.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump warns Iran blockade could last months, sending oil soaring

Brent crude jumps to US$126 as the US president declares Iran is ‘choking like a stuffed pig’.

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US, Israel war on Iran

‘Might over right’ imperils international justice, Wang Yi tells UN’s Baerbock

UN General Assembly president meets Chinese foreign minister in Beijing amid Iran war tensions and global energy crisis.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong throws SMEs lifeline with raft of measures, HK$450 billion in loans

Measures aim to improve access to financing, strengthen resilience, and accelerate transformation amid challenges linked to Middle East war.

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Hong Kong’s small businesses are grappling with soaring fuel prices. Photo: Sam Tsang
SCMP Highlights

China’s EV makers to cut charging times; Li Auto’s expansion: 7 EV reads

From BYD’s first-quarter profit to Xpeng’s August goal to overtake self-driving tech in China, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong taxis, minibuses to get 2-month LPG subsidy amid soaring fuel prices

Finance chief Paul Chan says task force monitoring fuel prices has proposed 50 HK cents per litre subsidy for two months, starting in May.

Thailand

Bridge too far? Hormuz crisis revives Thailand’s controversial plan

While the plan to bypass the Malacca Strait is popular with Anutin’s government, economists and environmentalists say it is not realistic.

Cargo ships are loaded with containers at the port of Bangkok on April 3, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong stock market

China oil stocks rise as crude rally lifts Sinopec, CNOOC earnings

First-quarter earnings remain resilient as crude prices surge on Middle East tensions, tightening global supply and lifting margins.

China’s oil stocks have been in focus since crude prices spiked following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Reuters
India

India’s major airlines on ‘verge of closing down’ as high fuel costs sting

A group representing carriers seeks a return to Covid-era cost caps on aviation fuel and a reduction in taxes to survive the crisis.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Will Israel’s use of Iron Dome to aid Arab neighbour recalibrate Mideast defence?

Reported deployment ‘on UAE soil represents a qualitatively different level of trust and coordination’, analyst says.

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