China's Xi urges new Middle East security framework during Egypt visitChinese President Xi Jinping called on Middle Eastern nations to oppose external interference and consider reshaping the region's security order during a visit to Egypt on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to expand its influence amid the U.S. war against Iran.
Xi's first trip to the Middle East in four years comes as U.S. partners in the region reassess their strategic relationships after months of conflict that have disrupted trade, shaken economies and raised questions about Washington's long-term role.
Egypt, itself a major U.S. defence partner that receives around $1.3 billion annually in military aid from Washington, has been steadily increasing economic and military cooperation with China in recent years.
Welcomed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with a military ceremony in Cairo, Xi said countries in the region should be "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 ready to work with regional countries to safeguard shipping routes, an issue that has taken on greater importance after conflict disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.
The leaders agreed to deepen security cooperation and counterterrorism coordination, Xinhua said. The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in data centers, semiconductors and critical metals supply chains and strengthen the use of each other's currencies in trade and investment, according to a joint statement.
For Egypt, stronger ties with China fit a broader effort to diversify international partnerships. In an article published ahead of the visit, Sisi said Egypt pursued a policy of "strategic balance" at a time of growing global rivalry.
For China, Egypt's regional influence and strategic location make it an important partner as Beijing seeks a broader economic role and tries to chip away at U.S. influence in the region.
Growing military ties were on display last month during Egypt's "Eagles of Civilization" exercises with China, which included a rare air combat drill involving Chinese-made J-16 jets and French-made Rafale aircraft.
Enthusiasm for the Chinese president's visit has been evident for days in Egypt's capital, where streets have been decked out in Chinese flags and images of iconic sites including Egypt's Sphinx and China's Great Wall.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/egypt-welcomes-xi-beijing-expands-influence-middle-east-2026-09-02/
