Cairo. Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a three-day visit to Egypt this week. This visit appears to be a general exercise to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, but behind it a larger strategy of China's increasing influence in West Asia is also seen.
Egypt is becoming an important center for America's main global rival China to strengthen its presence in West Asia. At the same time, Egypt is an important ally of America. In such a situation, Xi's visit to Cairo is being considered important not only from the relations between the two countries but also from the perspective of regional geopolitics.
Xi Jinping reached Egypt, received grand welcome
Xi Jinping arrived at Cairo Airport on Tuesday evening. The airport was decorated with flags of China and Egypt to welcome him. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and military guards welcomed him with a red carpet ceremony. The two leaders are scheduled to talk on Wednesday. Xi Jinping will also visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is located near the Pyramids of Giza. This is his first visit to Egypt after almost a decade. At the same time, this is his first visit to West Asia after visiting Saudi Arabia in 2022.
Why did China-Egypt relations accelerate?
China and Egypt are completing 70 years of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year. On this occasion, the leaders of both the countries also published friendly articles in Egyptian government newspapers on Tuesday. Xi Jinping appealed to both countries to expand the scope of practical cooperation through development. At the same time, Al-Sisi praised China's investment in Egypt and reiterated support for Beijing's claim that Taiwan is part of China. Egypt sees growing relations with China as an opportunity to diversify its strategic partnerships.
China's growing hold from BRICS to Belt and Road
Egypt was invited to join BRICS in 2023. The group is a major forum of emerging economies, which includes countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. A year later, Egypt and China signed agreements for cooperation under China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. The initiative focuses on expanding China's economic and strategic reach through building infrastructure and transportation networks around the world.
According to government figures, China has invested more than $10 billion in Egypt. These include projects such as an electric rail line for a business hub east of Cairo and an industrial zone in the Nile Delta. The annual trade between the two countries is said to be around $20 billion. In comparison, trade between America and Egypt in 2025 was $15.7 billion.
Trying to challenge America in West Asia?
China has been trying to increase its diplomatic and economic role in West Asia for a long time. In 2023, Beijing played the role of mediator in restoring diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. This move was considered an important example of China's ambition to challenge America's influence in West Asia. However, since then there has been tension again in the relations between Tehran and Riyadh. China has been presenting itself as a mediator and stabilizing force in the region. Beijing has also long supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Why is China eyeing Suez Canal?
Egypt's Suez Canal has become an important alternative route for energy supplies amid the impact of the Iran war on oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz. Given the importance of the Suez Canal for maritime trade between West Asia and Europe, it is considered strategically important for China to strengthen relations with Egypt. According to experts, Egypt could also become a base for China to expand its reach to the broader Arab and African region.
Military cooperation between China and Egypt also increased
Along with economic and diplomatic relations, military cooperation between the two countries has also strengthened. In August, China and Egypt held multi-day air exercises over several Egyptian military bases. This was the first time that China's J-16 fighter planes and Egypt's French-made Rafale fighter planes took part in joint exercises.
Xi reached Egypt after SCO meeting
Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt comes at a time when he has reached Cairo after attending a two-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The SCO is seen globally as an important political and security grouping to counter US influence. Leaders of Russia, India, Pakistan and Iran also attended the Bishkek meeting.
Xi's visit to Egypt also comes amid increasing economic pressure on Iran from the Trump administration. Sanctions are being imposed by America to limit Iran's financial relations. China is a major oil buyer of Iran and accounts for a large share of its oil imports. Beijing says its trade with Iran has always been in accordance with international law.