Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Middle Eastern countries to resist external interference and consider creating a new regional security architecture as Beijing seeks to deepen its influence amid the ongoing US war against Iran.
Xi made the call on Wednesday during his first visit to the Middle East in four years, meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo as months of conflict have disrupted trade, strained economies and prompted US partners to reassess their strategic relationships.
Welcomed by Sisi with a military ceremony, Xi said Middle Eastern countries should become “masters of their own destiny” and explore a new regional “security architecture”, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua.
Xi also said China was prepared to work with countries in the region to protect vital shipping routes, whose strategic importance has increased following disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.
The Chinese and Egyptian leaders agreed to deepen security cooperation and counterterrorism coordination, while also expanding collaboration in data centres, semiconductors and critical-minerals supply chains.
They further agreed to strengthen the use of their respective currencies in trade and investment, according to a joint statement.
For Egypt, closer relations with China form part of a broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships while maintaining ties with Washington.
Egypt is a major US defence partner and receives about $1.3 billion annually in military assistance from the United States. At the same time, Cairo has steadily expanded its economic and military cooperation with Beijing.
In an article published ahead of Xi’s visit, Sisi said Egypt was pursuing a policy of “strategic balance” amid intensifying rivalry between major global powers.
“Egypt wants to widen the circle of its relations with major world powers, including China,” former Egyptian diplomat Ayman Zaineldine told reporters.
“So the visions converge,” he added.
For Beijing, Egypt’s strategic location, large population and diplomatic influence make it an important partner in expanding China’s economic and political footprint across the Middle East and Africa.
“Egypt represents something quite valuable to Beijing a large domestic market for investment opportunities, and a lot of diplomatic weight in the region, including the Palestine question, as well as connectivity to Africa,” said H. A. Hellyer, a scholar at the Royal United Services Institute.
The strengthening military relationship between the two countries was highlighted by joint exercises last month, including the “Eagles of Civilization” drills.
The exercises featured a rare air-combat drill involving Chinese-made J-16 fighter jets and French-made Rafale aircraft.
Xi’s visit has also generated visible enthusiasm in Cairo, with streets decorated with Chinese flags and images featuring landmarks including Egypt’s Sphinx and China’s Great Wall.
Economic cooperation remains central to the expanding relationship.
Egypt, home to the Suez Canal and a population of more than 110 million, is a major market for Chinese goods. The country imported about $10 billion worth of Chinese products during the first half of the year alone.
Chinese investment in Egypt has increased rapidly since Sisi visited China and signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2014.
Chinese companies have since invested billions of dollars in container ports, green hydrogen projects and manufacturing facilities producing iron pipes, car tyres and satellites.
Egypt’s cabinet estimates that the Suez Canal Economic Zone has attracted about $4 billion in Chinese investment.
On Wednesday, Egyptian authorities announced plans to expand a Chinese-developed industrial area within the zone.
ZC Rubber Group also signed a preliminary agreement to study a proposed $500 million tyre manufacturing complex.
The expanding economic relationship underscores Egypt’s importance to Beijing as China seeks greater access to strategic markets and supply chains while positioning itself as a more influential partner in a region where US strategic dominance is increasingly being questioned.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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