World News
Xi Jinping visits Egypt, urging new Middle East security framework amid regional conflict
On his first trip to Cairo in a decade, the Chinese president met with Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to sign economic pacts and discuss maritime security.
The short version
- Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted a three-day state visit to Egypt, holding bilateral talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo.
- Xi called on Middle Eastern nations to reject external interference and manage their own security, while both leaders called for diplomatic solutions to end the US-Israel war with Iran.
- The two nations signed an agreement for the third phase of an industrial zone near the Suez Canal, reinforcing China's economic and strategic footprint along key maritime trade corridors.
- The visit highlights Cairo's strategy to diversify international partnerships while maintaining long-standing security ties with the United States.
Key facts
- Xi Jinping met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Ittihadiya Presidential Palace during his first visit to Egypt in 10 years.[ABC News · Al Jazeera · France 24]
- Egypt and China signed an agreement to launch the third phase of the Egyptian-Chinese industrial zone in the Suez Canal area, which already hosts about 200 companies.[Al Jazeera · Al Jazeera · France 24]
- Xi called for Middle East countries to oppose external interference and stated that China is prepared to work with regional nations to safeguard international shipping routes.[Al Jazeera · France 24]
- Both leaders urged diplomatic solutions to establish a comprehensive agreement ending the six-month conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.[Al Jazeera · France 24]
- Total bilateral trade between China and Egypt reached approximately $20 billion by the end of 2025, and China has invested over $10 billion in Egyptian infrastructure and development projects.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- In August, the Egyptian and Chinese militaries conducted joint air combat exercises involving Chinese J-16 fighters and Egyptian Rafale jets.[ABC News · Al Jazeera · France 24]
What remains uncertain
- Egyptian officials have not disclosed the exact financial investment figures or details for several bilateral agreements signed during the visit.[Al Jazeera · France 24]
Sources
- China’s Xi urges new Middle East security framework during rare Egypt visitAl Jazeera
- China’s Xi visits Egypt’s el-Sisi: Why it mattersAl Jazeera
- Xi calls on Mideast nations to be ‘masters of their own affairs’ in rare Egypt visitFrance 24
- Xi visits Egypt as China seeks deeper influence across the MideastABC News - Business