Xi urges Middle East to oppose external interference, reshape security order

CAIRO: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged Middle Eastern countries to oppose external interference and consider establishing a new regional security architecture during his visit to Egypt.

Xi’s first visit to the Middle East in four years comes as countries in the region reassess their strategic relationships following months of conflict that have disrupted trade, affected economies and raised concerns over the future role of the United States.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Xi in Cairo with a military ceremony. Addressing the occasion, the Chinese president said countries in the region should become “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, amid heightened concerns over maritime security following disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.

China, Egypt agree to deepen security cooperation

Xi and Sisi agreed to strengthen security cooperation and counterterrorism coordination, Xinhua reported.

The two countries also agreed to expand cooperation in data centres, semiconductors and critical metals supply chains, while promoting greater use of their respective currencies in trade and investment, according to a joint statement.

For Egypt, closer relations with China are part of a broader effort to diversify its international partnerships.

Sisi has described Egypt’s approach as one of “strategic balance” amid increasing rivalry between major global powers.

Growing strategic partnership

Egypt, a longstanding US defence partner that receives around $1.3 billion annually in military aid from Washington, has significantly expanded economic and military cooperation with China in recent years.

China views Egypt as an important partner because of its large domestic market, strategic location and diplomatic influence in the Middle East and Africa.

Egypt’s position around the Suez Canal also gives it particular importance for China’s trade and connectivity ambitions.

Growing military cooperation was highlighted last month when Egypt and China held “Eagles of Civilization” exercises, including a rare air combat drill involving Chinese-made J-16 fighter jets and French-made Rafale aircraft.

Read More: Saudi oil tanker attack kills two Filipino sailors in Strait of Hormuz

Economic ties expand

China has emerged as an increasingly important economic partner for Egypt, with Chinese companies investing billions of dollars in infrastructure, ports, green hydrogen, manufacturing and other projects.

Egypt imported around $10 billion worth of Chinese goods during the first half of this year, highlighting the scale of bilateral trade.

The Suez Canal Economic Zone has attracted about $4 billion in Chinese investment, according to the Egyptian government.

During Xi’s visit, Egyptian authorities announced plans to expand a Chinese-developed industrial area in the economic zone.

Meanwhile, ZC Rubber Group signed a preliminary agreement to explore the development of a $500 million tyre manufacturing complex.

The expanding partnership reflects Egypt’s efforts to broaden its economic and strategic relationships, while China seeks to increase its influence and economic footprint across the Middle East.