Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Egypt for the first time in a decade. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arrived in Cairo on the evening of September 1, where they were welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his wife at the airport. The two leaders are scheduled to hold a summit on September 2.
In a written statement, President Xi said, "China and Egypt have always cooperated with one heart over the past 70 years of diplomatic relations, achieving mutual benefits." He added that during his visit, he would engage in in-depth discussions with President el-Sisi on bilateral relations, comprehensive cooperation, and international and regional issues.
In a local media op-ed, Xi described this visit as a return after ten years. He is expected to reaffirm Egypt's status as a key partner for China in the Middle East and Africa.
Additionally, cooperation related to the Suez Canal is anticipated to be strengthened. China has already established the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone near Ain Sokhna, which has around 200 companies and has attracted over $3.8 billion in investment since its establishment in 2008.
As trade barriers against Chinese products rise in the U.S. and Europe, Egypt's value as a production and export hub for China is increasing. Recent investments by Chinese companies in Egypt have expanded into manufacturing, renewable energy, automotive, and satellite and space technology. Reuters noted that Xi's visit is drawing attention to the potential for increased Chinese investment in Egypt and enhanced military cooperation between the two nations.
Xi's visit comes at a time of significant upheaval in the Middle East. Following the Gaza conflict, the prolonged tensions surrounding Iran have altered security calculations for Middle Eastern countries. While Egypt has been a long-time ally of the U.S., it is broadening its diplomatic options by strengthening ties with China and Russia. Reuters reported that Egypt receives approximately $1.3 billion in military aid from the U.S. annually but is pursuing strategic autonomy by enhancing relations with China, Russia, and Europe.
Egypt is both an Arab and African nation, making it a valuable partner for China's Global South diplomacy. Through Egypt, China is expanding its diplomatic and economic network into the Arab world and Africa.
When Xi visited Cairo a decade ago in 2016, China viewed Egypt as a key hub for its Belt and Road Initiative. In 2026, China sees Egypt as a central hub for expanding its economic and diplomatic reach in the Middle East and Africa.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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