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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.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
2026 Trump-Xi summit

Breaking | Wang calls Taiwan ‘biggest risk factor’ in Beijing-Washington ties in Rubio call

China warns on core interests as both sides stress stability and coordination ahead of an expected Trump-Xi summit in May.

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United States

US economy grows 2% in January–March; Iran war clouds outlook

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Pakistan

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

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Brics

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

With Brics members Iran and the UAE as belligerents, the bloc has failed to reach a common position on the Middle East conflict.

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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi chats with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during the 2025 Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro last July. Photo: AP
US, Israel war on Iran

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

Global oil benchmark Brent hits $126.41 a barrel, amid warnings it could reach US$150 as peace talks stall.

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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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.

Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images
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.

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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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.

A taxi pulls up at an LPG filling station in Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po. Photo: Jelly Tse
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.

The Standard Chartered logo on Tower 1 of the Marina Bay Financial Centre in Singapore. Photo: Harvey Kong
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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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.

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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The US-Israel war on Iran has disrupted energy supplies and hastened the adoption of solar technology, with China leading the field. Photo: AFP
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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While the world remains mired in a fuel crisis with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the US is expanding its energy footprint abroad. Photo: Reuters
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.

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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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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Flags of countries at the United Nations’ Headquarters in Manhattan, New York. Photo: Shutterstock
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.

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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Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth at Wednesday’s House Armed Services Committee hearing. Photo: AP
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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The USS Michael Murphy patrolling the Arabian Sea during a maritime blockade earlier this month. Photo: US Navy via AFP
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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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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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.

A worker walks past the venue of this year’s Beijing Auto Show at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing on April 23. Photo: AFP
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.

The scheme is set to benefit taxis, public minibuses and private school buses. Photo: Jelly Tse
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.

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.

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