Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on September 1 for a three-day state visit to Egypt, marking his first trip to the country in a decade. The visit underscores the growing strategic and economic ties between China and Egypt amid shifting security dynamics in the Middle East. It coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, with Egypt being the first Arab and African country to establish formal ties with China in 1956.
Preparations in the Egyptian capital included traffic diversions and public displays of Chinese and Egyptian flags, reflecting the significance attributed to the visit. Chinese and Egyptian officials highlight the longstanding partnership between the two countries as a foundation for enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi noted that the bilateral relationship has strengthened over the years, contributing to the advancement of the Global South. In an opinion piece published by an Egyptian state newspaper, al-Sisi described the partnership as a model of amity and solidarity while expressing the desire to jointly promote a more stable and multipolar international system.
Over the past decade, economic and military ties between China and Egypt have deepened considerably. Chinese investments in Egypt have expanded to sectors including manufacturing, ports, renewable energy, green hydrogen, satellite technology, and infrastructure development. Notably, the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, a key industrial hub near the Suez Canal, has grown in size and currently hosts numerous Chinese companies. Bilateral trade between the two countries was reported at approximately $19.5 billion in 2025.
The military relationship has also advanced, with Egypt hosting joint air combat exercises involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets and French Rafale planes. Last month marked the second annual military drills between Egyptian and Chinese forces, a demonstration of Beijing’s growing military engagement in the region. This reflects Egypt’s aim to diversify security partnerships, especially as regional conflicts, including those involving Iran and Gaza, raise questions about the reliability of traditional Western allies such as the United States, which currently provides Egypt with around $1.3 billion in annual military aid.
Analysts underscore Egypt’s strategic importance due to its population of nearly 100 million, its location at the crossroads of the Middle East and Africa, and control of the Suez Canal, a vital global trade artery. Egypt’s stability and military modernization efforts have increased its appeal to Beijing, which views Cairo as a gateway to both Arab and African markets.
China’s engagement with Egypt is also part of a broader regional strategy. The Chinese leadership sees potential for greater economic integration through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which is aligned with Egypt’s national development plan, Vision 2030. Both sides have signed agreements to further expand cooperation, notably in infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors.
President Xi’s visit follows his recent participation in a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and precedes planned visits to India and the United States later this month. The trip signals Beijing’s intent to strengthen strategic partnerships amid growing uncertainties in the Middle East, balancing economic ambitions with cautious diplomacy given the volatile regional environment.