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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.
The US and China are discussing ways to strengthen military links – a rare bright spot in the relationship. Photo: Reuters
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | China, US may unveil measures to boost military ties when Xi visits Washington

Two sides have been discussing ways to improve communication channels, according to sources familiar with the talks.

US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes on Iran school that killed over 150 may amount to war crimes: UN

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Banking & finance

Fed rate hike risks worsening China’s economic divide

China travel

China airports surge in global-connectivity ranking, led by Shanghai, Guangzhou

Third terminal helps Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport jump 17 places in global standings, while airports in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong also improve.

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Passengers are seen at Beijing Daxing International Airport in China’s capital. Photo: AFP
Saudi Arabia

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.

John Lee policy address 2026

Hong Kong targets gold trading, FPS-UnionPay link to boost yuan use

‘We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre,’ John Lee says.

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Yemen

Who is Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the elusive commander driving the Saudi blitz?

He has transformed the Houthi group from tribal insurgency to a fighting force, threatening Riyadh and controlling the vital waterway.

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Students stand next to a poster of Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi in Sanaa, Yemen, on July 22. Photo: Reuters
China-Middle East relations

China affirms support for Iran, but warns against Yemen spillover

In talks with his Iranian counterpart in Beijing, Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on Tehran and Washington to stay rational.

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Qatar

Iranian and Saudi panellists spar at Xiangshan Forum over Middle East attacks

Verbal battle erupts at security conference over Tehran’s targeting of US bases in Saudi Arabia.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Chinese defence chief skirts flashpoints at Xiangshan Forum ahead of Xi-Trump summit

Dong Jun makes rare public offer of foreign military aid at major security conference and skips mentions of Taiwan and South China Sea.

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Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun arrives for the opening ceremony of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
Artificial intelligence

As appetite for US rivals grows, global funds flock to China’s Moonshot: sources

Start-up draws intense international interest through offshore vehicles chasing alternatives to US systems, insiders say.

Moonshot has seen mounting interest from overseas players ranging from European investment firms to Middle East family offices. Photo: Reuters
Israel-Gaza war

Israel prepared to ‘finish job’ in Gaza and remove Palestinians, minister says

Israel Katz says the IDF is prepared to resume fighting, eliminate Hamas and implement ‘the migration plan’.

Yemen

‘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 exports

China launches Pinglu Canal, slashing transit time to Southeast Asia

Newly opened Pinglu Canal will allow cargo from inland provinces to reach the Gulf of Tonkin, avoiding a 560km detour, deepening trade ties.

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A trial vessel moving through the Pinglu Canal in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Photo: Xinhua
Belt and Road 2026

Ancient Silk Road to modern Belt and Road: how Hong Kong bridges China and the Middle East

As the Middle East seeks economic diversification, Hong Kong acts as the financial gateway for investment.

In 2025, the Middle East was Hong Kong’s 10th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods of HK$192.8 billion, making it a significant stand in the various t rade networks that make up the Belt and Road Initiative. Photo: Karim Sahib, AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

US military fires on boats attempting to capture sailing drone off Iran

Central Command confirms engagement off Iranian coast as Tehran claims vessels were local fishing craft.

Israel-Gaza war

Acts quit Ed Sheeran tour in solidarity with Macklemore over Palestinian remarks

Musicians withdraw from British singer’s shows in solidarity with Macklemore after promoter drops rapper.

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Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong finance chief urges Cathay to keep fares attractive, add routes

Cathay Pacific targets 150 new aircraft and 150 global destinations over next decade, chairman Guy Bradley says.

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An aeroplane of Cathay Pacific takes off at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo: Elson Li
Iran

‘Doing a North Korea’? Why the Middle East could be entering a new nuclear age

A Saudi-US nuclear pact and further attacks on Iran could prompt Tehran to withdraw from the non-proliferation treaty, analysts warn.

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China's military weapons

Has a Chinese DF missile been used for the first time in the Middle East?

Video of a DF-15A rocket motor in Marib hints at secret arms deliveries as Saudi-Houthi fighting escalates.

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India

India scores Brics win with joint declaration despite divides

New Delhi ‘papered over’ differences to keep the bloc focused on trade and tech priorities, analysts say.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the Brics summit in New Delhi on Sunday. Photo: Indian Press Information Bureau/AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Price of Epic Fury: Iran war’s toll on US bases, weapons and more

Pentagon inspector general offers an official accounting of the war’s costs in expended US munitions and damages.

Smoke rises from damage at the US Fifth Fleet naval base in Manama, Bahrain, after Iranian strikes, in a satellite photo taken March 1, 2026. Photo: Planet Labs PBC via AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran says tanker exploded in Strait of Hormuz as US rejects account

IRGC says vessel hit sea mine in waterway as CENTCOM accuses Tehran of drone strike and intimidation.

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Israel-Gaza war

Israeli army chief orders legal review of award-winning Gaza war film

Israeli-made Gaza documentary makes waves after winning the Venice special jury prize.

China energy security

China’s oil demand could falter as Saudi pipeline shutdown raises costs

Supply relatively insulated in short term, but refiners could cut run rates amid rising crude prices, freight costs, analysts say.

A Vantor satellite image shows damage to a facility of the Saudi Arabia East-West pipeline after a strike on September 11. Photo: Handout via Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

US blocks Iran nuclear chief from Vienna meeting

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Mohammad Eslami was blocked from entering Austria because he was a ‘sanctioned individual’.

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Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami speaks during the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, Austriain 2022. Photo: TNS
Donald Trump

Trump to consider releasing 9/11 records after families’ request

Relatives seek declassification of files on alleged Saudi role as 25th anniversary calls intensify.

US, Israel war on Iran

Middle East diplomacy stalls as war spreads, Hormuz talks postponed

New attacks in Hormuz and Saudi Arabia as planned talks between Tehran and its neighbours are put off.

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