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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.
US experts say that China could potentially weaponise social media during a Taiwan Strait conflict and spread disinformation. Photo: Shutterstock
US-China relations

China’s use of propaganda may outwit US if Taiwan conflict arises, experts warn

Beijing’s study of Iran, Ukraine wars could help hone its ability to wage information warfare against the US during a Taiwan Strait crisis.

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Banking & finance

Hong Kong pushes gold futures relaunch as mainland China reserves climb

Science

Will Iran war threaten next harvest? Which countries are most at risk?

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China debt

China, US drive global debt to record $353 trillion – what’s behind the surge?

New report warns that rising conflicts, AI spending and energy security push are all expected to further increase global debt levels.

Global debt hit a record high of nearly US$353 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Institute of International Finance (IIF), with China and the United States largely driving the trend. Photo: EPA-EFE
Stocks

As US stocks hit record highs, will investors keep buying or stay diversified?

US equities rally amid easing Middle East tensions, but global investors remain cautious, focusing on diversification and China’s prospects.

India

India’s military turns to green energy options as Iran war prompts new strategy

The Indian army is looking to green sources for its cooking, vehicles and installations due to surging oil prices.

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Malaysia

‘Why waste a crisis?’: AirAsia to launch new airline, defying high oil costs

‘We can’t control what happens in the Middle East, but we have to take a view that it’s not going to last for two years,’ CEO Tony Fernandes says.

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AirAsia planes stand on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran peace optimism fuels Asian stock market gains

Asian markets surge on hopes for an end to US-Iran conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, even with many risks still hanging over markets.

South Korea

South Korea rejects Trump’s claim that ship ‘decided to go it alone’

Iran says it ‘firmly rejects and categorically denies’ allegations that it was responsible for the explosion on board the HMM Namu.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks hit 2-month high on hopes of Middle East war ending

Media reports of a proposed memorandum of understanding boost hopes of a diplomatic resolution to the US-Israel war on Iran.

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People walk outside the Hong Kong stock exchange in Central. Photo: May Tse
Japan

Trump’s last Japanese diehard fans lose faith as Iran war chaos spreads

Concerns in Japan are also mounting over the security ties between Japan and the US as Trump seeks to withdraw more troops from Europe.

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Protesters hold placards representing Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump at a demonstration in Tokyo on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
US-China trade war

Trump-Xi summit hides simmering trade tensions under the surface, experts say

Despite declarations of cooperation, friendship and respect from both sides, major trade conflict is brewing between the two superpowers.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iranian tanker amid reports Washington and Tehran near deal

Trump reiterated that Iran ‘cannot have a nuclear weapon’ as both sides combined military pressure with diplomatic efforts to end deadlock.

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Israel

Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Lebanon ceasefire

The first aerial attack on the capital since April kills a senior Hezbollah commander.

First responders in the Beirut southern suburb of Haret Hreik on Wednesday after an Israeli strike. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong draws over 1 million mainland ‘golden week’ visitors but spending lags

Authorities say shopping centres and catering sector reported growth, but industry leaders flag inconsistent spending.

Shoppers at a jewellery shop on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of mainland China’s “golden week” Labour Day holiday. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong tourism

Aviation authorities report ‘less than 5%’ flight cuts despite Mideast war

Fewer than 5 per cent of Hong Kong flights for May and June have been cancelled, and about 1 per cent in July, despite global fuel crisis.

Electric & new energy vehicles

From Beijing to Berlin: Chinese EVs turn heads as brands eye European markets

BYD, Geely and Xpeng showcase eye-catching EVs at Beijing auto show as they build momentum in Europe and target more discerning buyers.

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Central Asia

An Asian alternative to Nato? How Cica is rethinking Middle East security

Chief of lesser-known security forum says it provides ‘architecture for de-escalation’ and allows members to project soft power.

Cica Secretary General Kairat Sarybay speaks to the SCMP on the sidelines of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan on April 23, 2026. Photo: Handout
Singapore

Lawrence Wong warned of ‘storm clouds’ for Singapore. Was it an understatement?

Wong and his team have to prove they are ‘more than equal’ to the task of helping Singapore navigate coming headwinds, analysts say.

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Hong Kong economy

Editorial | With Beijing’s backing, Hong Kong can plan for future energy crises

Fuel subsidies and toll discounts are temporary measures. The city needs to align its energy strategy with China’s five-year plan.

Diplomacy

Opinion | How China-Gulf ties can turn energy vulnerability into sustainability

Hormuz tensions are a reminder to start building a better, more sustainable energy order before the next crisis hits; Hong Kong can help.

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A man walks beneath solar panels at the Al Dhafra solar power project south of Abu Dhabi in 2023. Photo: AFP
2026 Trump-Xi summit

Trump dismisses China friction over Iran war, touts Xi ties before summit

US halts Hormuz escort mission, says Beijing is not pushing back as Xi talks loom.

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US President Donald Trump speaks inside the Oval Office at the White House on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
China's military weapons

Will new Saudi-Pakistan defence pact give Chinese arms risk-free exposure?

Islamabad’s elevated stature in Middle East security could make it ‘the operational face of Chinese defence systems’ via regional deployment.

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China trade

How this Chinese city is netting profits amid 2026 World Cup fever

Yiwu, the world’s capital of small goods, tackles global market for football-related merchandise as buzz builds ahead of major tournament.

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Hong Kong property

Hong Kong home sales surge to 2-year high, boosting overall transactions

A total of 8,692 transactions in all sectors were concluded last month, up 12.3 per cent from March’s 7,737 deals.

An aerial view of housing in Tseung Kwan O, February 12, 2026. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong posts strongest quarterly economic growth in almost 5 years at 5.9%

Robust exports and resilient domestic consumer spending drive growth despite Middle East tensions and rising energy costs.

The 5.9 per cent quarterly economic expansion is also the strongest since the 7.6 per cent growth seen in the second quarter of 2021. Photo: Nora Tam
South Korea

South Korea rebuffs Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ call after Hormuz ship fire

A UN mandate and a global coalition are required before Seoul joins Trump’s mission to reopen the strait, officials indicate.

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Banking & finance

HSBC profit flat as Middle East provisions offset wealth growth

HSBC stock slides 5.2 per cent as higher credit charges linked to Middle East uncertainty and UK exposure offset wealth business growth.

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