Xi Jinping’s Strategic Visit to Egypt: China’s Bid for Middle East Influence

POLICY WIRE — Cairo, Egypt — Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Cairo on Tuesday, signaling China’s intent to deepen its influence in the Middle East. This marks Xi’s first visit to the region since a series of conflicts have reshaped its geopolitical landscape.

Upon arrival, Xi was greeted by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, along with a military honor guard and officials at Cairo International Airport. The visit underscores China’s strategic ambitions as it seeks to expand its footprint in a region traditionally dominated by the United States.

Xi’s trip is not just a routine diplomatic engagement; it is a calculated move by China to position itself as a stabilizing force in the Middle East, contrasting with the U.S., which has been militarily involved in the region for decades.

The Chinese president aims to showcase China as a mediator and a reliable partner, especially as the U.S. remains entangled in conflicts, including its recent six-month war with Iran. This visit comes as China continues to build its soft power, while the U.S. faces challenges to its influence.

During his three-day stay, Xi and el-Sissi are set to discuss a range of topics, from economic collaboration to regional security. Xi will also visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, highlighting the cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

This visit is particularly significant as it coincides with Egypt’s growing alignment with China. In 2023, Egypt joined the BRICS bloc, and a year later, it signed agreements with China for collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative.

China has invested over $10 billion in Egypt, focusing on infrastructure projects like a business hub and an electric rail line. Annual trade between the two countries is estimated at $20 billion, surpassing the $15.7 billion trade between the U.S. and Egypt in 2025.

Egypt’s strategic partnership with China is seen as a way to diversify its international alliances. This is particularly relevant as the Suez Canal, controlled by Egypt, has become a critical alternative route for energy supplies amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war.

Xi’s visit to Cairo follows his attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference, where leaders from Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran gathered to discuss counterbalancing U.S. global influence.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)