Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Middle Eastern countries to oppose external influence and consider reshaping the region's security order during a visit to Cairo on September 2, 2026. This visit marks Xi's first trip to Egypt in a decade and comes amid ongoing tensions related to the US-Israel war with Iran. Xi emphasized the importance of regional autonomy, stating, "We must uphold the principle that the people of the Middle East are the masters of their own affairs, oppose external interference [and] support regional countries in strengthening dialogue on peace and security," according to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
During the meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the two leaders discussed the six-month conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran, advocating for diplomatic solutions to achieve a comprehensive agreement to end the war. El-Sisi's spokesperson reported that the countries signed an agreement to initiate the third phase of the Egyptian-Chinese industrial zone at the Suez Canal, which currently hosts 200 companies and investments valued at approximately $4 billion.
The new investments are expected to enhance China's influence in the canal zone, a vital route for global trade, especially as regional conflicts disrupt traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Xi stated that China is prepared to collaborate with regional countries to secure international shipping lanes, promote development cooperation, and address the root causes of conflict.
Additional agreements were signed during the visit, although Egyptian officials did not disclose specific details. Analysts note that China is seeking to strengthen its presence in the Middle East at a time when the United States appears uncertain about its role in the region. Mirette Mabrouk, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, remarked that Egypt views closer ties with China as a means to diversify its partnerships.
Xi's visit occurs ahead of a planned meeting with US President Donald Trump later in September. Egypt, a significant recipient of US military aid, historically plays a crucial role as a mediator in the Middle East. The visit also follows the establishment of the Mecca Defence Alliance by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan, indicating a shift in regional security dynamics away from reliance on the US. The alliance includes a NATO-style Article 5 clause, which stipulates that an armed attack on any member state is considered an attack on all.
In Cairo, major streets were adorned with Chinese and Egyptian flags, along with billboards featuring el-Sisi and Xi. Xi is expected to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids later on Wednesday.