Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Egypt this week to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Xi's visit comes amid China's efforts to expand its influence in the Middle East, a region where the United States has historically held significant sway. During the visit, Xi aims to present China as a stabilizing force in contrast to the U.S., which has been involved in military engagements in the area.
Xi arrived at Cairo airport on Tuesday evening, where he was welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and military guards in a red-carpet ceremony. The leaders are scheduled to hold discussions on Wednesday, and Xi plans to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids of Giza. This visit marks Xi's first trip to Egypt in a decade and follows el-Sissi's multiple visits to China in recent years.
The two leaders celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations by publishing opinion pieces in state-run newspapers. Xi emphasized the need for both nations to expand pragmatic collaboration, while el-Sissi praised China's investments in Egypt and reaffirmed support for China's stance on Taiwan.
Egypt's growing relationship with China is viewed as a strategy to diversify its partnerships. In 2023, Egypt joined the BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and signed agreements to collaborate on China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance global infrastructure.
China has invested over $10 billion in Egypt, contributing to projects such as a business hub near Cairo and an electric rail line in the Nile Delta. The annual trade volume between China and Egypt is estimated at $20 billion, while trade between Egypt and the U.S. was $15.7 billion in 2025.
China's influence in the region has been highlighted by its role in brokering a deal to restore diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. This agreement underscores China's ambitions to compete with the U.S. for regional influence. Additionally, China has advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is considered crucial for regional stability.
With disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict, the Suez Canal, controlled by Egypt, has become an important route for energy supplies. Experts suggest that strengthening ties with Egypt is beneficial for China's strategic interests in the region.
In August, China and Egypt conducted a multiday air exercise involving Chinese and Egyptian fighter jets, marking a significant military collaboration. Xi's visit follows his attendance at a conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which includes leaders from Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran, and is seen as a counterbalance to U.S. influence.
The trip also coincides with ongoing U.S. sanctions aimed at isolating Iran economically, a country that relies heavily on Chinese purchases of its oil.