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Middle East
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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.
Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets in October 2023 during the opening days of the Gaza war. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Israel thrusts a reluctant UAE into the open over defence ties

Disclosures about Iron Dome batteries and secret meetings have exposed ties analysts say the UAE would rather handle ‘more discreetly’.

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Iran

UN event on nuclear non-proliferation treaty stumbles, US and Iran clash

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

27 countries seek access to World Bank funds since Iran war

China-Russia relations

Putin left China, with no pipeline deal. Why is the valve still closed?

Though this week’s China-Russia summit featured many agreements, none progressed the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Hong Kong society

HK Electric customers set for steeper bills in June over volatile oil prices

Energy provider to raise fuel clause charge by 20.4 per cent next month due to higher oil prices amid Mideast war and warns further increases expected.

Indonesia

‘So rough’: father of Indonesian on Gaza flotilla claims Israeli mistreatment

Nine Indonesians were among those detained when Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla on Monday.

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Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Northern Metropolis industrial park draws ‘global interest’ from AI, green firms

Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company chairman Jeffrey Lam targets July 2027 launch as ‘gift’ for 30th anniversary of return to Chinese sovereignty.

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Hong Kong’s Hung Shui Kiu industry hub is drawing global interest from from AI and green firms, according to chairman Jeffrey Lam. Photo: Elson Li
Donald Trump

Trump pledges more troops for Poland as Rubio cautions allies

Trump announcement is an apparent reversal of his moves to reduce the presence of US forces in Europe.

Israel-Gaza war

Israel deports hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists as arrivals recount abuse

Detainees land in Turkey as their treatment in Israeli custody draws an international outcry.

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Science

China swaps Middle East oil for Xinjiang coal. What does it mean for the world?

With the war in Iran choking global oil supplies, China is tapping its 390 billion tonnes of coal reserves to build its own energy source.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
War and conflict

Opinion | Not even a quick end to Iran war can save AI stock bubble now

Rising prices are draining the liquidity from financial markets, including bonds. The AI stock bubble is ripe for bursting.

Vessels at anchor in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on May 4. Photo: ISNA/AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

US voices hope for Iran deal as Pakistan mediator seeks breakthrough

With Trump warning of renewed strikes, Pakistan’s army chief is expected in Tehran for ‘talks and consultations’.

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Afghanistan

New Taliban law in Afghanistan implies that child marriage is permitted, UN says

UN says the new family code tacitly permits union with minors, despite Kabul claiming forced weddings are banned.

China energy security

As Chinese supertankers cross Strait of Hormuz, is the crisis starting to ease?

Two Chinese tankers were among group of vessels transiting vital waterway on Wednesday, but was it a one-off or the start of a new trend?

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Ships and swimmers are seen in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The strategic waterway has been largely closed to traffic since the Iran war began. Photo: WANA via Reuters
United States

US jobless claims fall as lay-offs remain low despite economic uncertainty

Despite historically low lay-offs, the labour market appears to be stuck in what economists call a ‘low-hire, low-fire’ state.

Workers climb down from a building during a heat advisory on Tuesday in New York. Photo: AP
Cathay Pacific

Singapore Airlines faces narrow window to gain market share from Gulf rivals

SIA can capture more Asia-Europe traffic due to its strong oil hedging strategy and balance sheet, and the Iran war’s impact, analysts say.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | What Putin, Trump summits say about China’s role in world affairs

Beijing’s desire for systemic stability guides its relations with Moscow and Washington, making it central to global mediation.

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China's military weapons

China’s J-10CE jets defeat Eurofighters 9-0 in mock battles, CCTV confirms

While state broadcaster does not identify the drill, details appear to match a 2024 exercise in Qatar involving Pakistan.

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Pakistan is the only country besides China known to possess the J-10C fighter. Photo: CCTV
China-Middle East relations

China breaks ground on Gulf aviation megaproject in shadow of Iran war

A state-owned firm has launched work on a massive aviation complex, signalling continued confidence amid regional conflict.

China-Russia relations

China-Russia joint statement on Xi-Putin summit

The two countries issued a statement following this week’s meeting in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

South Korea

What Lee’s Netanyahu ‘war criminal’ remark means for South Korea’s diplomacy

The president criticised Israel for ‘going too far’ in detaining two South Koreans who were at sea trying to send aid to Gaza.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog (right) attend a memorial service in Meitar, Israel, in January. Photo: Reuters
Singapore

How Singapore’s weaponised drone trials could fuel Southeast Asian tensions

As Southeast Asian militaries adopt cheap, lethal systems, experts warn a lack of established rules could prove dangerous.

A US Navy drone parks beside a Philippine C130 plane at the airport of Zamboanga, southern Philippines last year. Photo: AP
Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s Chery plans for 1m EVs sold abroad amid global energy crisis

Anhui-based carmaker anticipates 27 per cent increase in foreign deliveries in 2026 as battery ranges improve and oil prices rise.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says Iran talks are nearing an end but warns of more strikes

As a fragile ceasefire enters its seventh week, Tehran and Washington remain in indirect talks while tensions roil oil markets.

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China-Russia relations

Substance for Putin, ‘face’ for Trump as China, Russia deepen strategic alliance

Signing of over 40 agreements during Beijing summit between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin cements ‘historical peak’ in China-Russia ties.

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Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin shake hands during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing on May 20. Photo: EPA
Israel-Gaza war

‘Welcome to Israel’: videos of bound Gaza flotilla activists trigger furore

Netanyahu scolds Israel’s security minister for releasing footage taunting hundreds of detained civilians as international backlash grows.

A screengrab of a video posted by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shows detained activists from the Gaza-bound flotilla. Photo: @itamarbengvir via X
US, Israel war on Iran

Iranian public get basic gun training amid Trump’s threats to restart war

The weapon displays reflect the genuine threat Iran faces but also provide rare entertainment at a time of great uncertainty.

Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong adds 820 extra flights to ease disruptions due to Middle East war

Transport chief Mable Chan also reveals about 4,100 flight adjustment applications have been expedited since early March.

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