In a strategic meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held in Cairo, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for a new security framework in the Middle East. Xi’s proposal centers on fostering cooperation, dialogue, and the respect for national sovereignty to enhance regional stability. He outlined a four-point plan aimed at bolstering security cooperation, addressing interlinked conflicts, promoting economic development, and enhancing international coordination. The Chinese leader underscored the importance of regional countries taking charge of their own security and spoke against external interference, while also emphasizing the enduring significance of the Palestinian issue in resolving broader Middle Eastern tensions.
Xi also reiterated China’s willingness to collaborate with Middle Eastern nations on safeguarding international shipping routes, stimulating economic growth, and tackling the root causes of regional conflicts. He advocated for adherence to the United Nations Charter and international law as the basis for resolving issues in the region. The discussions in Cairo further highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties between China and Egypt, with Xi calling for expanded cooperation across various sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, communications, electric vehicles, green energy, aerospace, and the digital economy.
China’s role as Egypt’s largest trading partner and primary source of imports for over a decade underscores the significance of their economic relationship. Bilateral trade between the two countries has seen substantial growth, increasing from $10.21 billion in 2013 to $20.79 billion in 2025. During the meeting, more than 20 cooperation agreements were signed, covering diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, trade, technology, education, transportation, and industrial supply chains. These agreements reflect the commitment of both nations to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The talks between Xi and El-Sisi underscore China’s strategic interest in deepening its involvement in the Middle East through both diplomatic and economic avenues. By advocating for a security framework built on regional cooperation and economic collaboration, China aims to play a more active role in shaping the future of the Middle East. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to expand China’s influence and foster stability in a region marked by longstanding conflicts and strategic significance. Through these initiatives, China seeks not only to reinforce its economic ties with Egypt but also to contribute to regional peace and development.