Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Egypt for the first time in a decade, aiming to strengthen ties between China and Egypt amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The visit, which began on September 2, 2026, is part of Cairo's efforts to deepen economic and military relations with Beijing while maintaining its longstanding relationship with the United States.
The context of Xi's visit includes the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran, which has led US allies in the region to reassess their strategic relationships. Recently, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye announced the Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement, a mutual defense pact. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has referred to this shift as part of Cairo's "independent foreign policy."
For China, Egypt represents a significant foothold in the Middle East due to its large economy, control of the Suez Canal, and diplomatic influence across the Arab world and Africa. Xi's three-day visit includes discussions with el-Sisi focused on regional conflicts, maritime trade security, and expanding Chinese investment in Egypt. The two nations are expected to sign economic agreements in sectors such as artificial intelligence, transport, and manufacturing.
This visit marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China. Egyptian state media reported that Xi has called for expanding pragmatic collaboration, while el-Sisi has expressed support for Chinese investment in Egypt and reiterated Cairo's backing of Beijing's stance on Taiwan.
Military cooperation is also a growing aspect of the relationship. In August 2026, Egypt and China conducted joint air exercises involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets and Egypt's Rafale aircraft, marking the first time these jets participated in a combat exercise alongside Rafales.
Xi's visit underscores Beijing's efforts to enhance its influence in a region traditionally dominated by US military power. Egypt is a key ally for Washington and the second-largest recipient of US military aid.
The meeting occurs amid significant geopolitical instability, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the US-Israel tensions with Iran, and disruptions in the Red Sea due to attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi-linked vessels. Experts suggest that China is positioning itself as a more responsible and hands-off regional actor, countering US influence.
With a population of 110 million, Egypt is a crucial market for Chinese goods and investment. The Suez Canal's control is vital for China, especially as shipping routes face disruptions. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz for six months in response to US-Israeli strikes, impacting global oil shipping.
China's engagement with Egypt includes investments in infrastructure, technology, and defense, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $20.7 billion by the end of 2025. Data from Egypt's Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics indicates a nearly 200 percent increase in Egyptian exports to China, totaling $840.8 million in the first half of 2026, while imports were at $10.4 billion.
Chinese investments in Egypt exceed $10 billion and focus on projects like the New Administrative Capital and an electric rail line in the Nile Delta. Investments also extend to container ports, green hydrogen, iron pipes, tires, and satellites. The China-Egypt TEDA cooperation zone in Ain Sokhna, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, hosts around 200 companies with investments over $3.8 billion. In 2023, Egypt joined BRICS, the bloc of Global South nations including Brazil, Russia, India, and China.