Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Chinese President Xi Jinping in Cairo on Wednesday, marking a high-profile visit that underscores China’s growing economic, diplomatic and military influence in the Middle East.
Xi was welcomed with a military ceremony at the Ittihadiya presidential palace during his first visit to Egypt in a decade, according to footage broadcast by Egyptian state television.
The visit comes as regional instability, intensified by the US war with Iran, disrupts Middle Eastern economies and prompts some of Washington’s traditional partners to reconsider their security relationships and diversify their international alliances.
Egypt remains a major US defence partner, receiving around $1.3 billion in American military assistance annually. At the same time, Cairo has steadily expanded cooperation with Beijing since Sisi visited China and signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in 2014.
Former Egyptian diplomat Ayman Zaineldine said Egypt’s desire to build relationships with several global powers aligns with China’s ambition to extend its influence beyond Asia.
“Egypt wants to widen the circle of its relations with major world powers, including China,” Zaineldine told Reuters, adding that the two countries’ strategic visions increasingly overlap.
Expanding military cooperation
Preparations for Xi’s arrival were visible across Cairo, where Chinese flags and images featuring landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Sphinx decorated major streets.
Egyptian state media also devoted extensive coverage to the visit, including reports on modern Chinese weapons and surveys indicating favourable Chinese attitudes towards Egypt.
Military relations between the two countries have also become more prominent. During last month’s “Eagles of Civilization” exercises, Chinese-made J-16 fighter jets participated in a rare air combat drill alongside Egypt’s French-built Rafale aircraft.
The exercises highlighted Cairo’s efforts to diversify its defence partnerships and demonstrated Beijing’s increasing military engagement with a longstanding US ally.
Investment and regional influence
Egypt’s strategic location, regional diplomatic influence and control of the Suez Canal make it a valuable partner for China as Beijing seeks a broader role across the Middle East and Africa.
With a population exceeding 110 million, Egypt is also a major market for Chinese products and investment. Government figures show Egyptian imports from China surpassed $10 billion during the first half of 2026, representing an increase of more than 14% compared with the same period last year.
H.A. Hellyer, a scholar at the Royal United Services Institute, said Egypt offers Beijing a combination of commercial opportunities, regional diplomatic influence and access to Africa. Cairo also carries significant political weight on issues including Palestine.
Chinese companies have invested billions of dollars in Egyptian infrastructure and industry, including container terminals, green hydrogen developments, satellite technology, iron-pipe manufacturing and tyre production.
The China State Construction Engineering Corporation has also taken a leading role in building the central business district of Egypt’s new administrative capital east of Cairo.
Xi’s visit is expected to reinforce the expanding partnership as Egypt seeks greater room to manoeuvre between global powers and China works to establish itself as a major diplomatic, commercial and security actor in the region.