Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt comes as the two countries mark seven decades of diplomatic relations. The trip underscores their growing strategic and economic partnership amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and intensifying competition between Beijing and Washington.
Egypt was the first Arab and African country, and the 23rd worldwide, to recognise the People’s Republic of China, on May 30, 1956. The visit would be Xi’s first to Egypt in more than a decade and the only bilateral stop on his current tour, according to Egyptian briefing documents.
It would also come against the backdrop of Beijing’s expanding global diplomacy and its efforts to position itself as a leading power in an increasingly multipolar international system.
The two countries upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s first visit to China. Sisi has since visited China eight times, most recently in May 2024, when he attended the opening session of the Forum on China–Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) as a guest of honour.
A relationship built on early recognition
Egypt and China have maintained close political ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Their co-operation is based on principles frequently emphasised by Beijing, including respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs and support for each country’s right to pursue its own development path.
The two governments have signed 242 agreements covering a wide range of sectors, according to Egyptian data.
The partnership has gained momentum in recent years through Chinese participation in major Egyptian infrastructure projects, including the business district towers in Egypt’s New Capital, high-rise developments in New Alamein and the light rail linking the 10th of Ramadan City with the New Capital.
Chinese companies are also involved in renewable energy and other strategic projects.
About 200 Chinese firms operate in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which has attracted much of China’s estimated $1.4 billion in investment in Egypt in recent years.
Bilateral trade reached $20.97 billion in 2025, up from $17.37 billion the previous year, according to Egyptian figures.
China’s economic weight
China remains the world’s second-largest economy, with gross domestic product estimated at around $19.5 trillion in 2025 and growth of five per cent.
Chinese exports reached approximately $3.7 trillion last year, compared with imports of $2.4 trillion. Official figures put growth in the first half of 2026 at 4.7 per cent, indicating a period of relative slowdown and economic restructuring rather than a broad-based crisis.
Beijing is seeking to rely more heavily on domestic demand while reducing its relative dependence on exports and investment.
China’s outward foreign direct investment stood at about $174 billion in 2025, up seven percent, while its accumulated portfolio investment overseas reached an estimated $1.12 trillion. Foreign direct investment flowing into China was estimated at $106 billion.
With a population of around 1.41 billion people and an area of 9.6 million square kilometres, China is governed by the Chinese Communist Party under a centralised socialist political system. Xi has served as party general secretary since 2012 and president since 2013. He began a third term as party leader in 2022 and was re-elected president in March 2023.
Regional tensions
Xi’s visit comes as the Middle East faces renewed uncertainty related to the war involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy and trade.
China has opposed the use of force and unilateral sanctions in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue, calling instead for political and diplomatic negotiations. Beijing supports Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy while insisting on compliance with international obligations and the preservation of the global non-proliferation regime.
China has also rejected any measures that would restrict navigation or raise the cost of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
In March 2026, China and Pakistan launched a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East. It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, early peace talks, protection of civilians and non-military targets, the security of maritime routes and the restoration of normal navigation through Hormuz, and adherence to the United Nations Charter and international law.
The crisis is particularly significant for China because Iran is an important energy supplier and China is the main destination for Iranian oil exports. The two countries have a comprehensive strategic partnership.
China, Russia and the Ukraine crisis
China has maintained close strategic ties with Russia while presenting itself as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict.
In February 2023, Beijing issued a 12-point proposal for a political settlement of the crisis. The document called for an end to all hostilities, efforts to prevent further escalation and the resumption of peace talks.
China subsequently launched a joint initiative with Brazil in May 2024 aimed at promoting a negotiated settlement to the conflict. Beijing has consistently emphasised dialogue and diplomacy, while opposing the escalation of tensions and calling for a political solution to the war.
Support for the Arab world
Beijing regards Arab countries as key partners in the Global South and in the construction of a multipolar international order.
The FOCAC, established in 2004, remains the principal framework for collective cooperation between China and the Arab world.
On the Palestinian issue, China supports a two-state solution based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. During the Gaza war, Beijing has called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian assistance, rejection of forced displacement and the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine.”
China has also backed early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with United Nations resolutions and efforts by the Palestinian Authority to extend its authority over all Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank.
Beijing has supported Lebanon’s sovereignty and security and condemned Israeli attacks on the country. In May 2026, it provided emergency humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.
In Libya, China maintains a policy of non-interference and neutrality among rival factions, while supporting a political settlement through dialogue. Beijing and Tripoli announced a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2024, and China has expressed support for rebuilding the Libyan economy. Its embassy in Tripoli has recently resumed operations.
On Sudan, China has called for a political solution to the conflict, respect for Sudanese sovereignty and the rejection of externally imposed settlements. It has also welcomed mediation efforts by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and regional states.
An expanding Africa partnership
Africa remains a long-standing priority of Chinese foreign policy, with the FOCAC serving as the main framework for relations.
Trade between China and Africa reached a record $348 billion in 2025, an increase of 17.7 per cent, according to the Egyptian briefing.
For Cairo, the relationship with Beijing combines diplomatic co-ordination, investment and infrastructure co-operation. For China, Egypt offers a strategically located partner at the crossroads of Africa, the Arab world and the Mediterranean, as well as a key link to the Suez Canal and global trade routes.
Xi’s visit is therefore likely to highlight not only the historic depth of bilateral ties, but also their growing importance as both countries navigate a rapidly changing international landscape.
