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Egypt

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Egypt. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Cairo

Head of State

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly

Terracotta Army sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang. China’s first emperor was buried after his death in 210BC with clay warriors, following the official abolition of human sacrifice in China in 384BC. Photo: Shutterstock

Lessons from China's history

Reflections | How China’s macabre practice of human sacrifice in burials came to an end

In China, elites were buried with human companions as far back as the Neolithic period. Over time, symbolic figures replaced real people.

1 hour ago

China society

Cross-border matchmaking can lead to financial ruin, Chinese police warn rural men

15 Oct 2026 - 4:59PMvideocam

South Korea

South Korea hails success of its first Arctic shipping trial

12 Oct 2026 - 9:53AM

Middle East

Saudi Arabia’s main airport hit by new Houthi strike day after deadly attack

Riyadh’s international airport targeted again as strikes expose vulnerabilities in Saudi defence capabilities.

12 Oct 2026 - 4:52PMvideocam

Smoke and flames rise from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport after an attack on October 8, 2026. Photo: Social media via Reuters

Israel-Gaza war

Palestinian leader Abbas postpones elections to September 2027

Palestinians have not held legislative or presidential elections since 2005-2006, after which Hamas seized control of Gaza.

10 Oct 2026 - 11:09PM

US-China relations

Key US port for China imports records best-ever quarter despite trade doubt

Port of Los Angeles, the US’ leading gateway for imports from China, had its busiest three-month period on record from July to September.

10 Oct 2026 - 5:17AMvideocam

Middle East

Yemen’s Houthis claim strikes on Saudi airports, killing 3

Attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports mark a sharp escalation of the war in neighbouring Yemen.

8 Oct 2026 - 2:16PM

Thick smoke rises near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport following a Houthi attack on September 19. Photo: Xinhua

Middle East

Yemen’s Houthis attack Aden airport as fighting intensifies

Fighting has been focused in recent days on areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

7 Oct 2026 - 8:33PM

China's military weapons

Indonesia to take delivery of first Chinese J-10CE jets in 6 months, report says

When they arrive the southeast Asian nation will become the third international operator of the aircraft, after Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

6 Oct 2026 - 7:00PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong remains world’s freest economy as Switzerland overtakes Singapore

Annual Economic Freedom of the World report compiled by Canada’s Fraser Institute ranks city first among 165 jurisdictions.

6 Oct 2026 - 10:51PM

Hong Kong lost the top spot for the first time in 2023, before reclaiming it in 2024 and retaining it in 2025. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | ‘Money is money’: US, UK firms still coming to Hong Kong, commerce chief says

2026 has been a challenging year because of the geopolitical situation, but Hong Kong’s stability continues to draw investors, Algernon Yau says.

2 Oct 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

Tourists enjoy the views of Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Kit Lai

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf nations keep oil flowing amid Iran war, but it’s getting costly

Despite the Strait of Hormuz blockade and other attacks, oil exporters and the US military have found workarounds, but they may not be sustainable.

24 Sep 2026 - 7:40PM

Ukraine war

Zelensky warns of painful winter for Russia if energy truce talks fail

The leader described Russia’s Putin as the ‘patient zero’ from whom the idea of war keeps spreading further.

24 Sep 2026 - 5:06AM

Ukraine war

Zelensky and CIA chief meet during refuelling stop in Ireland

Sources say the pair met at Shannon Airport as the Ukrainian leader travelled to the UN meetings in New York.

22 Sep 2026 - 11:00AM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: EPA

2026 Xi-Trump summits

In Focus | Analysts tip a stronger hand for China ahead of Xi-Trump summit in Washington

Chinese confidence could be boosted by US push to make progress on its war on Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, experts say.

22 Sep 2026 - 9:15AMvideocam

China-Africa relations

Is Africa becoming a ‘testing ground’ for Chinese power projection?

PLA pilots trained against Rafales in the latest joint exercise, reflecting a decades-long expansion of activity on the continent.

19 Sep 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

Vladimir Putin

Opinion | Why the Global South keeps its doors wide open to Russia

Far from being isolated, Moscow’s relationships across the non-Western world are a geopolitical constant the West cannot break.

19 Sep 2026 - 12:00PM

US, Israel war on Iran

US pivot leaves Saudi Arabia with ‘humiliating dilemma’ over Houthis

Riyadh is now working frantically to build a coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and defend the kingdom against Houthi attacks.

18 Sep 2026 - 6:40PMvideocam

Firefighters inspect damage to a building caused by falling debris from a reported Houthi drone intercepted over Taif province, western Saudi Arabia, on Thursday. Photo: Saudi Press Agency / AP

Middle East

Saudis turn to Western, regional allies as missile defences run low

Regional officials say kingdom appeals to France, UK, Pakistan, and Egypt for help against Houthis amid US interceptor shortages.

17 Sep 2026 - 3:40PM

Middle East

‘Red line’: Saudi coalition accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca with drone

Drone intercepted heading towards the Saudi holy city, but Houthi official rejects claim as a ‘worn-out lie’.

16 Sep 2026 - 8:12PM

China-Africa relations

China bets on early Sudan deals to secure post-war economic edge

Lack of leverage by army-backed government in Khartoum may allow Chinese firms to secure favourable investment terms.

13 Sep 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

China is pursuing port and power agreements in Sudan through a peace-through-development approach, say experts. Photo: Shutterstock Images

From our archives

On This Day | Hong Kong mourns Mao Zedong’s death in 1976 – SCMP archive

Fifty years ago, Mao Zedong’s death sent shock waves around the world.

13 Sep 2026 - 11:15AM

Mourners wearing black armbands attending the memorial service for China’s late leader Mao Zedong at the Bank of China building on September 16, 1976. Photo: Chan Kiu

Brics

Internal splits threaten to slow Brics’ progress as bloc marks 20th anniversary

The grouping has emerged as a strong champion of the Global South, but analysts warned that major challenges still lie ahead.

12 Sep 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

Brics

Editorial | Brics summit could emerge as milestone in bloc’s unity

The expected meeting between the leaders of China and India on the sidelines of the multilateral summit bodes well for stability in Asia.

12 Sep 2026 - 7:15AM

Special Reports

Hong Kong’s push for human infrastructure beyond ports and railways

Beyond physical trade routes, the city’s museums, universities and orchestras are cultivating the personal relationships needed to sustain international cooperation.

9 Sep 2026 - 6:30AM

Exhibitions like the recent one of Ancient Egyptian treasures at the Hong Kong Palace Museum are not just about ‘soft power’ but can establish meaningful and lasting links between professionals, academics and institutions. Photo: Karma Lo

China's military weapons

Chinese PLA aircraft to headline Egypt air show in display of export potential

No official word on which equipment will feature, but event comes just days after the end of a joint drill between the armed forces.

8 Sep 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

The Z-20K helicopter is expected to be among the aircraft on display at an air show in Egypt this week. Photo: Handout

US-China relations

Editorial | China’s Xi sends a strong message before his US visit

Xi’s month of travel signals that China is playing a key role in South-South cooperation amid a tariff war and geopolitical instability.

8 Sep 2026 - 7:15AM

US-China relations

As clock counts down to Trump summit, Xi boosts global clout with diplomatic blitz

Beijing leverages Eurasian and Middle East ties to show Washington it has alternatives.

8 Sep 2026 - 1:25AMvideocam

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Egypt

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Reflections | How China’s macabre practice of human sacrifice in burials came to an end

In China, elites were buried with human companions as far back as the Neolithic period. Over time, symbolic figures replaced real people.

Cross-border matchmaking can lead to financial ruin, Chinese police warn rural men

South Korea hails success of its first Arctic shipping trial

Saudi Arabia’s main airport hit by new Houthi strike day after deadly attack

Riyadh’s international airport targeted again as strikes expose vulnerabilities in Saudi defence capabilities.

Palestinian leader Abbas postpones elections to September 2027

Palestinians have not held legislative or presidential elections since 2005-2006, after which Hamas seized control of Gaza.

Key US port for China imports records best-ever quarter despite trade doubt

Port of Los Angeles, the US’ leading gateway for imports from China, had its busiest three-month period on record from July to September.

Yemen’s Houthis claim strikes on Saudi airports, killing 3

Attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports mark a sharp escalation of the war in neighbouring Yemen.

Yemen’s Houthis attack Aden airport as fighting intensifies

Fighting has been focused in recent days on areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Indonesia to take delivery of first Chinese J-10CE jets in 6 months, report says

When they arrive the southeast Asian nation will become the third international operator of the aircraft, after Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Hong Kong remains world’s freest economy as Switzerland overtakes Singapore

Annual Economic Freedom of the World report compiled by Canada’s Fraser Institute ranks city first among 165 jurisdictions.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | ‘Money is money’: US, UK firms still coming to Hong Kong, commerce chief says

2026 has been a challenging year because of the geopolitical situation, but Hong Kong’s stability continues to draw investors, Algernon Yau says.

Gulf nations keep oil flowing amid Iran war, but it’s getting costly

Despite the Strait of Hormuz blockade and other attacks, oil exporters and the US military have found workarounds, but they may not be sustainable.

Zelensky warns of painful winter for Russia if energy truce talks fail

The leader described Russia’s Putin as the ‘patient zero’ from whom the idea of war keeps spreading further.

Zelensky and CIA chief meet during refuelling stop in Ireland

Sources say the pair met at Shannon Airport as the Ukrainian leader travelled to the UN meetings in New York.

In Focus | Analysts tip a stronger hand for China ahead of Xi-Trump summit in Washington

Chinese confidence could be boosted by US push to make progress on its war on Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, experts say.

Is Africa becoming a ‘testing ground’ for Chinese power projection?

PLA pilots trained against Rafales in the latest joint exercise, reflecting a decades-long expansion of activity on the continent.

Opinion | Why the Global South keeps its doors wide open to Russia

Far from being isolated, Moscow’s relationships across the non-Western world are a geopolitical constant the West cannot break.

US pivot leaves Saudi Arabia with ‘humiliating dilemma’ over Houthis

Riyadh is now working frantically to build a coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and defend the kingdom against Houthi attacks.

Saudis turn to Western, regional allies as missile defences run low

Regional officials say kingdom appeals to France, UK, Pakistan, and Egypt for help against Houthis amid US interceptor shortages.

‘Red line’: Saudi coalition accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca with drone

Drone intercepted heading towards the Saudi holy city, but Houthi official rejects claim as a ‘worn-out lie’.

China bets on early Sudan deals to secure post-war economic edge

Lack of leverage by army-backed government in Khartoum may allow Chinese firms to secure favourable investment terms.

On This Day | Hong Kong mourns Mao Zedong’s death in 1976 – SCMP archive

Fifty years ago, Mao Zedong’s death sent shock waves around the world.

Internal splits threaten to slow Brics’ progress as bloc marks 20th anniversary

The grouping has emerged as a strong champion of the Global South, but analysts warned that major challenges still lie ahead.

Editorial | Brics summit could emerge as milestone in bloc’s unity

The expected meeting between the leaders of China and India on the sidelines of the multilateral summit bodes well for stability in Asia.

Hong Kong’s push for human infrastructure beyond ports and railways

Beyond physical trade routes, the city’s museums, universities and orchestras are cultivating the personal relationships needed to sustain international cooperation.

Chinese PLA aircraft to headline Egypt air show in display of export potential

No official word on which equipment will feature, but event comes just days after the end of a joint drill between the armed forces.

Editorial | China’s Xi sends a strong message before his US visit

Xi’s month of travel signals that China is playing a key role in South-South cooperation amid a tariff war and geopolitical instability.

As clock counts down to Trump summit, Xi boosts global clout with diplomatic blitz

Beijing leverages Eurasian and Middle East ties to show Washington it has alternatives.

Reflections | How China’s macabre practice of human sacrifice in burials came to an end

Exclusive | ‘Money is money’: US, UK firms still coming to Hong Kong, commerce chief says