TOPIC COLLECTION

Middle East

Included topics:
China’s yuan has grown in stature, becoming more commonly used as a medium of exchange in the international oil trade. Photo: AFP
Yuan

China’s yuan on the rise in oil trade, but petrodollar here to stay: report

Helped by digital yuan and advancements in financial tech, more yuan-backed transactions are taking place in crude settlement.

US-China relations

US executive order targets China, other alleged cyberattackers before Biden exit

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Israel-Gaza war

Israel strikes Gaza within hours of ceasefire accord with Hamas, residents say

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‘Big question marks’: experts doubt Gaza ceasefire deal will lead to lasting peace

Israel and Hamas’ truce agreement is set to start on Sunday, but analysts warn unresolved core issues leave the future uncertain.

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Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the ceasefire announcement in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Chinese investment bank CICC cleared to operate in Dubai financial centre

Licence is ‘a big step forward’ for cross-border deals in the United Arab Emirates, CEO of Dubai Financial Services Authority says.

What does the ceasefire deal mean for Israel, Hamas and the Middle East?

Gaza is in ruins, Netanyahu faces a political reckoning at home and a broader peace remains elusive as Trump’s return looms.

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Biden on Trump getting credit for Gaza ceasefire: ‘Is that a joke?’

Trump had posted on social media that the ‘epic’ hostage deal would not have happened if he had not been elected.

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US President Joe Biden and president-elect Donald Trump are both claiming credit for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal. Photo: EPA-EFE

Qatar and US announce Gaza ceasefire, hostage release deal

The ceasefire in Gaza will start on Sunday and last six weeks, with phases of implementation planned.

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Jared Kushner advises from afar in Trump’s second term as Ivanka opts out

They will not take official roles and will be based in their Miami home, even if Kushner remains involved behind the scenes.

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Hong Kong, GCC seek synergies in finance and infrastructure to deepen ties

Officials from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Qatar say Hong Kong can a play a major role to help diversify their economies.

Officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council take part in a panel discussion at the Asian Financial Forum on Tuesday. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Turkish railway, with Chinese upgrades, could bypass Russia on route to Europe

Improvements to Turkey’s railway network – which a Turkish official says China could provide – would create a new, quicker path for Europe-bound freight.

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A railway path through Turkey would make for a faster freight route between China and Europe. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong bridges China, Asean, Middle East as ties grow: HKEX official

Office in Riyadh and plans for metal warehouse underscore HKEX’s role, Vanessa Lau says at Asian Financial Forum.

Avoid Cyprus’ crowded south and head to its more peaceful, pristine north

Millions of tourists flock to the Greek-Cypriot south every year but the cheaper Turkish-Cypriot north remains untouched by mass tourism.

Hongkongers to enjoy visa-on-arrival access to Saudi Arabia from Wednesday

City leader John Lee also reveals that period for visa-free stays for Saudi nationals visiting Hong Kong will be extended from 30 days to 90.

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A panoramic view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. Photo: Shutterstock

‘New era’: Iraq PM says he will sign security deal with Britain

Mohammed Shia al-Sudani touts Iraq-UK ties in London visit, will sign security and strategic partnership deals.

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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. Photo: Anadolu Agency / Pool via Reuters

At UN, Israel accuses Hezbollah of trying to rebuild with Iran’s help

Israel’s UN ambassador urges action against arms smuggling amid 60-day ceasefire in Lebanon.

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Iran, European powers hold ‘constructive’ nuclear talks ahead of Trump return

Iran and European powers hold talks in Geneva on lifting sanctions and nuclear issues.

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Hamas accepted draft agreement for Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages: officials

The plan still needs to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet for final approval.

Supporters of Israeli hostages during a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel on Monday. Photo: Reuters

US limits AI chip sales to China, others, as Nvidia slams ‘sweeping overreach’

New controls go beyond China, setting quotas for about 120 countries; exports to 18 allies including Japan, UK, the Netherlands are exempt.

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Palace Museum to bring Islamic, Tutankhamun relics to Hong Kong in 2025

Museum’s number of visitors fell by 17 per cent last year to 1 million, compared with 1.2 million in 2023.

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Italy releases Iranian wanted by US in deadly drone attack on troops

Iranian Mohammad Abedini was arrested in Italy last month at the behest of the US for supplying parts for drone used in 2024 attack.

This satellite photo shows a military base known as Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan, where the 2024 drone attack occurred. File photo: Planet Labs PBC via AP

Biden spoke to families of Americans detained in Afghanistan

The US has been negotiating with the Taliban to exchange three Americans for a high-profile prisoner held in Guantanamo Bay.

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Taliban security personnel in Kabul. File photo: AFP

Biden pushes for immediate Gaza ceasefire in call with Netanyahu

US national security adviser says parties are very close to a deal to halt fighting, free hostages.

Germany’s Baerbock announces aid for Syria, calls for ‘smart’ sanctions

Germany’s foreign minister announced an additional 50 million euros for food, emergency shelters and medical care.

Like a giant jigsaw puzzle, Iraq’s historic treasures become whole again

Archaeologists are painstakingly putting together artefacts at Nimrud shattered by Islamic State jihadists, undaunted by the colossal task.

An archaeology expert catalogues destroyed artefacts - which range from bas-reliefs and sculptures to decorated slabs depicting mythical creatures - at the archaeological site of Nimrud, south of Mosul, Iraq, on January 3, 2025. Photo: AFP

Arab, EU diplomats in Saudi for talks on support for Syria

The discussions will take place in two sessions – the first featuring Arab officials and the other with diplomats from other parts of the world.

Another round of talks will be held in Saudi Arabia between Arab, Turkish and European diplomats on the future of Syria. File photo: AP

Australian state premier calls synagogue attack an escalation in antisemitism

The attempted arson in Sydney was the latest in a wave of incidents that have targeted the country’s Jewish community.

Israeli PM sends Mossad chief to Gaza ceasefire talks in sign of progress

Spy agency director David Barnea’s presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.

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