During a meeting in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for a new security framework in the Middle East, advocating for cooperation, dialogue, and respect for national sovereignty. Xi proposed a comprehensive four-point approach aimed at enhancing regional security cooperation, addressing interconnected conflicts, supporting economic development, and improving international coordination. He urged countries in the region to assume greater responsibility for their security and voiced opposition to external interference, underscoring the Palestinian issue as central to resolving broader Middle Eastern tensions.
China expressed a readiness to collaborate with Middle Eastern countries in safeguarding international shipping routes, promoting economic growth, and tackling the root causes of conflict. Xi called for upholding the United Nations Charter and international law as the basis for addressing regional issues. The discussions between Xi and El-Sisi also concentrated on bolstering economic ties between China and Egypt, with Xi advocating for increased cooperation in several sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, communications, electric vehicles, green energy, aerospace, and the digital economy.
China’s economic relationship with Egypt has been significant, as China has stood as Egypt’s largest trading partner and primary source of imports for 14 consecutive years. The bilateral trade between the two nations grew from $10.21 billion in 2013 to $20.79 billion in 2025. This economic partnership was further strengthened through the signing of over 20 cooperation agreements covering diverse areas such as artificial intelligence, trade, technology, education, transportation, and industrial supply chains.
In support of enhancing their comprehensive strategic partnership, China and Egypt issued a joint statement underscoring their commitment to furthering cooperation across various sectors. The agreements and discussions reflect a concerted effort to deepen economic and strategic ties between the two countries, while also addressing broader regional security concerns through dialogue and collaboration. As China continues to expand its influence in the Middle East, these developments mark significant steps in fostering a more integrated and cooperative regional environment.