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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.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s Pezeshkian accuses Trump of ‘bullying mentality’, vows no surrender

The president told the UN General Assembly that threats would only harden Tehran’s resolve, but his country remained open to diplomacy.

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Donald Trump

Trump’s Board of Peace proposes US$2.45 billion Gaza reconstruction plan

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China stock market

AI trade rallies on falling oil and Meta’s Muse agent ahead of Xi-Trump meeting

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf tech firms turn to Hong Kong and Singapore as Iran war grinds on

Analysts point to growing adoption of a ‘dual-hub’ model, using secondary Asian bases to hedge against geopolitical risk.

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People take pictures with the city skyline of Singapore on September 14. The Iran conflict has accelerated Gulf businesses’ use of Asian financial hubs, insiders say. Photo: Reuters
Banking & finance

Some family offices eyeing Chinese investments as US-China tensions ease: report

European, Middle Eastern and African family offices are increasing their exposure to China as they diversify their portfolios, report finds.

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China digital currency

Could Saudi Arabia’s mBridge exit dent China-led payments platform?

The departure sends political signal rather than materially threatens project, analysts say.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

In Focus | The US-China tech war has evolved since Xi and Trump last met. Who has the edge?

The two sides have found new sources of leverage across AI, chips, rare earths and wider technology supply chains since the US leader’s May visit to Beijing.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Britain

Burnham to meet Trump, make UN debut after offering UK support for Saudis

British prime minister targets Middle East stability and AI governance on New York trip.

Israel-Gaza war

‘We will learn even in a tent’: Gaza children return to in-person schools

The move is a fragile milestone; the conflict with Israel has killed around 22,000 youngsters and over 770 education workers.

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China-Africa relations

Djibouti base upgrade may give PLA eyes on foreign military in Middle East

Commercial imagery reveals two new communication sites built near foreign military bases in East Africa, US think tank says.

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China’s military base in Djibouti as seen in a satellite image taken on May 13, 2025. Photo: Google Earth
World Gold Council

As China’s consumption of gold jewellery slumps 34%, sellers pivot abroad: WGC

Domestic gold jewellers are seeking to leverage advanced crafting techniques as market sees turbulence, says World Gold Council executive.

A pure gold decorative fan ornament at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong fair at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday. Photo: Kit Lai
South Korea

South Korea steps up to plug Europe’s jet fuel deficit

South Korea is the latest large source of jet fuel shipments to Europe, exporting 129,000 barrels per day, the highest since October 2022.

Donald Trump

US prepares sanctions against the ICC: sources

Trump administration readies entity-wide measures that could severely disrupt tribunal’s war crimes probes.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine’s Zelensky to meet Trump in New York

Planned meeting comes as Washington pushes for fresh, face-to-face peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky talking on the phone to US President Donald Trump on Sunday. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via AFP
China-Middle East relations

Chinese firms keen on Oman’s International Financial Centre: official

Neutrality amid US-Israel war on Iran cited as an advantage, as well as location of ports away from Strait of Hormuz.

A highway in Muscat, Oman. Photo: Shutterstock Images
Hong Kong culture

Opinion | What Hong Kong cinema can take away from a popular Chinese war film

If productions need not be set in China to be seen as Chinese, why must Hong Kong films rely on language or place as proof of identity?

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Israel-Gaza war

Ed Sheeran calls Gaza situation ‘unjustifiable’ after Macklemore exit furore

The pop star decried the ‘devastation and loss of children’s lives’ in the Palestinian enclave during a concert in Philadelphia.

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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.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Saudi Arabia

Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital, after flames seen near Riyadh airport

The militants say they targeted ‘sensitive’ sites, along with an Aramco facility in the Red Sea city of Yanbu.

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.

US, Israel war on Iran

How much has Iran war cost US? Pentagon estimates US$43.6 billion so far

Polls show Americans increasingly oppose the war, partly over its impact on the economy, as the November midterm elections approach.

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A US sailor checks ordnance on an F/A-18 Super Hornet aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington on September 13. Photo: US Navy / AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Saudi oil pipeline closure puts Asia’s economic resilience to the test

Experts say the loss will hit Asian refiners first before feeding through to inflation, currencies and economic growth across the region.

A satellite image shows a closer view of the damage at the Saudi Arabia East-West pipeline, located across the Arabian Peninsula, after a strike that hit it on September 11. Photo: Vantor/Handout via Reuters
Singapore

Singapore Airlines takes world’s best carrier crown from Qatar Airways

Asian carriers dominated the Skytrax rankings and only one European airline – Air France-KLM – made the top 10.

South Korea

‘No deployment for war’: South Korea rejects US request for Iran support

President Lee Jae Myung has drawn a firm line against sending troops or assets to the Middle East, defying pressure from Washington.

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.

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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
United States

US to allow Iranian leaders to attend UN meeting amid wartime stand-off

US again imposes strict conditions on the Iranian delegation for the UN General Assembly in New York.

Member state flags fly outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City. Photo: Getty Images
Saudi Arabia

US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia despite Israeli concerns

US says the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter ‘current and future threats’.

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.

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