Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo this week for a three-day visit, his first to Egypt in a decade, as China seeks to deepen its influence in the Middle East. The trip is framed as an opportunity to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between China and Egypt, a key U.S. ally, but it also signals Beijing's broader strategy to cultivate relationships in a rapidly changing region.
Xi aims to position China as a stabilizing force in the Mideast, drawing a contrast with the United States, which has a long history of military involvement in the region. Analysts suggest China is building its soft power while the U.S. faces self-inflicted challenges to its standing. Xi's visit follows his attendance at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference, a bloc seen as a counterweight to U.S. global influence.
During his visit, Xi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi held talks, with plans for Xi to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. The leaders marked 70 years of diplomatic relations with published opinion pieces, highlighting the expanding scope of pragmatic collaboration. El-Sissi reiterated Egypt's support for China's stance on Taiwan and lauded Chinese investments.
Egypt views its growing relationship with China as a way to diversify its strategic partnerships. In 2023, Egypt joined the BRICS bloc of nations, a grouping of emerging economies including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, viewed as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions. Egypt has also signed agreements to collaborate on China's Belt and Road Initiative.
China has invested over $10 billion in Egypt, contributing to infrastructure projects like a business hub and an electric rail line. Annual trade between the two nations is estimated at $20 billion. For comparison, U.S.-Egypt trade was $15.7 billion in 2025, with Egypt being a crucial partner in U.S. national security priorities.
Beijing's growing regional engagement was evident in 2023 when it brokered a deal to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, showcasing its aspirations to compete with the U.S. for influence. China has also advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and announced a "strategic partnership" with the Palestinian Authority prior to the October 2023 attacks on Israel.
With vital shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz disrupted by regional conflict, the Suez Canal, controlled by Egypt, has become a critical alternative for energy supplies. This strategic location further enhances Egypt's importance for countries like China seeking stable access to regional resources.
Recent military cooperation between China and Egypt includes a multi-day air exercise held in August 2023, involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets and Egyptian French-made Rafale fighters. This exercise marked the first combat exercise for China's J-16s.
Xi's visit also occurs in the context of U.S. sanctions targeting Iran, which aim to isolate the Islamic Republic from economic partners. China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, states its trade adheres to international law.