Advertisement
Advertisement
-
Middle East
TOPIC
 / location

Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Pakistani security officers stand outside the US consulate in Karachi on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Pakistan

Pakistan aims to walk tightrope between Saudi Arabia and Iran as war flares

Islamabad has to navigate a tricky regional environment and manage the domestic blowback of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

videocam
Mainland China

Air freight costs for China shippers may jump 30% as Middle East airspace closes

Spain

Germany’s Merz lacked ‘solidarity’ amid silence during Trump attacks: Spain

China-Middle East relations

Why China is staying on the sidelines of the US-Iran conflict

Decision based on consideration of Beijing’s own interests as well as its ties with Washington and others, analysts say.

videocam
15
Since the large-scale attacks by the US and Israel against Iran began over the weekend, Beijing has limited its response to diplomatic statements. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Unesco-listed Iran palace damaged as US and Israel ramp up air war

Shockwaves from strikes on Tehran shatter glass and mirrors in the historic Golestan Palace, prompting reaction from the UN.

videocam
US, Israel war on Iran

China caught between Iran and Gulf states as Tehran strikes across Middle East

In 2023, China mediated a peace deal between Riyadh and Tehran, but the ties are being tested as Iran targets sites in Saudi Arabia.

videocam
13
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong economy

Middle East exhibitors at Hong Kong jewellery fair rue poorer sales, attendance

While organiser reports only ‘small’ dip in participants, at least two firms expect fewer clients due to travel disruptions caused by war in Iran.

Buyers queue to enter the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday. Photo: Sam Tsang
China's economic recovery

Stagflation risk emerges amid Mideast oil crisis, clouds China’s economic battle

While rising energy costs from war in Iran may briefly aid China’s deflation battle, analysts warn how oil price spike could threaten nation’s fragile economic rebound.

videocam
US, Israel war on Iran

Hegseth says US submarine sank Iranian warship off Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath said bodies had been ‌recovered from the sea in the area of the incident.

videocam
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s retail sales rise 5.5% in January as tourists loosen purse strings

Census and Statistics Department says retail sales for January worth HK$37.3 billion, marking ninth straight month of growth since May 2025.

A shopping centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Jelly Tse
Technology

Asian tech stocks reel as US-Iran war threatens infrastructure and supply chains

South Korea’s Kospi is the worst-hit in Asia, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix falling 11.7 per cent and 9.6 per cent, respectively.

Currency dealers monitor exchange rates as an electronic screen shows South Korea’s benchmark stock index on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
Iran

Video | Mass burial held for victims of Iranian school missile strike

The strike in Minab killed at least 175 people.

Hong Kong economy

10% rise in costs expected as shipping giant halts Middle East bookings

Hong Kong sector representatives expect increase to be driven by rising fuel prices, longer voyages, war-risk charges and higher insurance costs.

Hong Kong stock market

Oil surge stokes inflation fears as Middle East flashpoint rattles markets

Rising oil prices are shaking global markets as investors rethink rate-cut bets and brace for slower growth and renewed inflation.

The spike in energy costs has revived fears of a renewed bout of inflation, raising the risk of slower global growth. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Israel says next leader of Iran also a ‘target for elimination’

As Tehran prepares to bid farewell to Khamenei, Israel’s defence minister issues a blunt warning for his successor.

8
A worker installs a billboard on a Tehran overpass containing a portrait of the late Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photo: AP
Aviation

Persian Gulf crisis boosts Chinese airlines’ routes to Europe amid turmoil

Chinese carriers gain advantage as Gulf carriers take heavy hit from airspace closures; actress Dilraba Dilmurat among those stranded.

Thailand

Thailand’s PTT to freeze pump prices as Iran attacks spur panic buying in region

The energy firm will maintain prices for 15 days, even as Thailand says it will still export oil to Laos.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
US, Israel war on Iran

US and Kurds discuss potential Iran military operation: sources

The prospect of Kurdish groups operating inside Iran signals US consideration for a ground uprising.

videocam
6
The presidential complex in Tehran following air strikes. Photo: Vantor via AFP
Donald Trump

Video | Trump seeks to justify Iran war

The US President held a White House meeting where he seemed to walk back Marco Rubio’s comments that Israel triggered the war.

Hong Kong society

First planeload of Hongkongers stranded in Middle East set to return home

Insider says government exploring ways to bring others back sooner, as expert urges prioritising work with airlines to secure seats and keep taxpayer costs down.

11
US-China relations

China and US to hold high-level talks in Paris before Trump’s Beijing visit

Delegates to discuss trade and investment deals amid rising global tensions in lead-up to President’s first visit since returning to power.

videocam
5
(From left to right) US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris for high-level trade talks, in the lead-up to US President Donald Trump’s forthcoming Beijing visit. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong stock market

Surging oil prices drive Hong Kong stocks to 3-month low on inflation jitters

Brent crude gains 1.3 per cent to US$82.46, while Nymex futures rise 1.1 per cent to US$75.36.

Rising oil prices due to the US-Iran war risks stoking inflation globally. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Maritime mayhem: shipping firms halt Gulf routes amid regional military strikes

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz see vessels diverted and bookings suspended, as companies impose emergency fees of up to US$4,000 per unit.

videocam
Indonesia

Thousands of passengers ‘stuck’ in Indonesia’s Bali after war grounds planes

With foreigners at risk of overstaying their visas, the Bali immigration office has introduced a free same-day emergency stay permit.

Hong Kong economy

From oil spikes to power bills, how war on Iran will hit Hongkongers’ wallets

Residents may face higher energy and dining costs as analysts stress the city cannot remain immune to surging oil prices.

Analysts warn Hong Kong may feel the impact of rising oil prices amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Photo: Sam Tsang
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier heads to the Mediterranean

Rafale fighter jets, air-defence systems and airborne radar systems have also been deployed in the Middle East.

videocam
French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle sails in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Toulon in November 2024. Photo: AFP
United States

As I see it | Under Trump, the US has unleashed its own wolf warriors

Chinese diplomats need to project a measured and calming presence on the international stage to contend effectively with American blowhards.

4
US, Israel war on Iran

Trump slams European allies, praises China and continues to justify Iran attack

US president blasted Spain for denying access to its military bases for his bombing campaign, but boasts of ‘good relationship with China’.

videocam
5
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement