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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.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas ahead of their meeting in Brussels in July 2025. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

Exclusive | Top EU diplomat Kallas expected to visit Beijing amid deepest strains in years

It will be Kaja Kallas’ first face-to-face meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi since a bruising encounter in Brussels last summer.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong economy grows 4.3% on strong external trade, resilient domestic demand

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong home price rally to cool after strong first half: analysts

US-China relations

Trump nominee vows to sharpen US media challenge to China

Sarah Rogers says Asia would remain a priority for US-funded broadcasters, despite continuing turmoil and reduced operations at the agency.

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Sarah B. Rogers testifies in Washington during a Senate committee hearing on her nomination to be Chief Executive Officer of the US Agency for Global Media. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

US sanctions Mahan Air’s China network over alleged support for Iran’s IRGC

Two Shanghai companies and a Chinese executive targeted as Washington expands pressure campaign from Iranian oil to aviation and cargo.

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US-China relations

Selection for next UN chief gets underway with Grynspan early front runner

United Nations Security Council started the process on Thursday to pick its new secretary general as successor to Antonio Guterres.

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United States

US economic growth slows in second quarter but domestic demand robust

Despite the Middle East conflict, US consumer spending has ‌remained resilient, in part thanks to bigger tax refunds this year.

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People shop for groceries at a store in Los Angeles, California in 2025. Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong transport

Extend fuel subsidy or costs will go up, Hong Kong taxi and minibus drivers warn

Two-month liquefied petroleum gas subsidy scheme to expire on Friday, with operators warning monthly costs to rise by up to 33 per cent.

Banking & finance

HKMA warns of interest-rate risk as traders bet on September rate rise

HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China (Hong Kong) keep their prime and savings rates unchanged, mirroring HKMA’s decision to hold steady.

US-China relations

US sanctions mainland China, Hong Kong firms over Iranian oil shipments

Six targeted tankers allegedly carried crude to China as Washington links economic campaign to US Navy enforcement.

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The Mozambique-flagged tanker Lily is owned and operated by Hong Kong-based Confident Apex Limited. Photo: Handout
China manufacturing

Why US might struggle to rein in Beijing’s growing 6G influence

24-country alliance aims to coordinate next-generation telecoms strategies, but analysts say China’s tech prowess provides clearer road map.

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The United States is building a 6G alliance with more than 20 countries across Europe and Asia. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images
Britain

Norwegian teen found guilty in UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group

Prosecutors said Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by ⁠the Iranian state.

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Science

Chinese satellite imagery analysis challenges US-Iran war claims

Researchers identify damage patterns that reveal vulnerabilities in fixed overseas military installations and operational shortcomings.

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Banking & finance

Standard Chartered posts 10% profit rise, launches US$1b buy-back

Share price surges on 38 per cent rise in wealth-management revenue, even as Middle East tensions and bad debt temper profit growth.

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Net profit climbed to a record US$3.37 billion, according to Standard Chartered. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong investors hunker down for Fed decision, jumbo IPO

Both a US Fed rate policy meeting and the largest initial public offering in Hong Kong in seven years will occur on Thursday.

The Hong Kong skyline on July 1. Photo: EPA
US, Israel war on Iran

Iranian missile salvoes and US-Saudi strikes shatter brief Middle East lull

Joint air strikes hit Tehran-backed militia sites in Iraq after dozens of drone and missile attacks across the region.

United Nations

Prominent figures appeal for refugee protections as UN convention turns 75

Global advocates sign ‘The Promise’ statement as UNHCR faces severe funding cuts and tightening border restrictions worldwide.

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Donald Trump

Trump’s irritation over leak signals strains as Netanyahu visits White House

The US president criticised leaked talking points on Iran’s nuclear site before meeting with the Israeli prime minister.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Photo: Israeli Government Press Office via AFP
Singapore

Singapore growth to hold firm but AI boom a ‘major uncertainty’: central bank

MAS chief says a lengthy boom could lead ‌to inflation, while a pullback in AI investments ‘could sharply weaken global growth’.

US, Israel war on Iran

Oman offers Iran Gulf-backed plan for voluntary fees to use Hormuz

Under the proposal, Iran will not exercise sole control and fees would be voluntary, a system analogous to ‌one in place on Asia’s Strait of Malacca.

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China travel

All went wrong: A380 flight to China becomes 10-hour ordeal

The rare sight of an Emirates Airbus at Hangzhou became chaotic as 373 passengers were left stranded on board amid a logistical nightmare.

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An Emirates Airbus A380. Photo: dpa
United States

As I see it | America declares international law for thee but not for me

While the US is seeking to dismantle the International Criminal Court, it has signed a statement upholding the Hague tribunal’s South China Sea ruling.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends the 33rd Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, on July 23. Photo: AFP
Israel-Gaza war

Gazans uprooted as Israel expands ‘yellow line’ military zone

Residents and Hamas officials say Israel has moved forward the yellow block markers, triggering new waves of displacement.

UAE

China’s battery makers fight over Middle East energy-storage market

BYD, Sungrow win contracts for storage at massive UAE solar plant, as EV battery makers seek better margins selling storage systems.

China consumption

LVMH’s fashion and leather division reports 1% organic growth in second quarter

The French luxury brand has also seen persisting positive momentum in China for Hennessy cognac since the 2026 Chinese New Year.

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Luxury brand LVMH has reported a 1 per cent organic increase in the second quarter of 2026 in its fashion and leather division. Photo: Reuters
Australia

Australia weighs first refinery in 60 years as Middle East war strains fuel supply

With only two operating plants left nationwide, Canberra orders a study on a major new Western Australia facility.

The Viva Energy Geelong refinery in Victoria, one of Australia’s only two remaining operating oil refineries. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

How a displaced F1 race could be Malaysia’s ‘blessing in disguise’

The one-off race in Sepang could deliver an economic boost and position Malaysia as a stable regional base for global events, analysts say.

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran halts strikes as Trump gives space to talks

The calmer situation eased worries about a resurgence in inflation and a fresh round of interest rate hikes.

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