Egypt rolls out red carpet for Xi as Beijing expands Mideast clout

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in Cairo on Wednesday, marking Xi's first visit to the country in over a decade. The high-profile welcome, featuring a military ceremony at Cairo's Ittihadiya presidential palace, underscored the deepening relationship between Egypt and China as regional instability prompts shifts in global power dynamics. The visit follows months of unrest in the Middle East, driven largely by the U.S.-led conflict with Iran, which has disrupted regional economies and prompted some U.S. allies to reconsider their security partnerships. Egypt, a key U.S. defense ally receiving approximately $1.3 billion in annual military aid, has increasingly aligned itself with China through both economic and military collaboration. Since 2014, when el-Sissi signed a strategic partnership agreement during his visit to China, bilateral ties have grown steadily. This alignment reflects Egypt's broader strategy to diversify its international relationships and China's expanding ambitions to assert influence beyond Asia. Former Egyptian diplomat Ayman Zaineldine noted that "Egypt wants to widen the circle of its relations with major world powers, including China," aligning with China's goals. The enthusiasm for Xi's visit was visible throughout Cairo, with streets adorned in Chinese flags and imagery highlighting landmarks such as Egypt's Sphinx and China's Great Wall. Egyptian state media emphasized public sentiment, citing opinion polls indicating positive perceptions of Egypt among Chinese citizens. Additionally, broadcasts featured discussions on modern Chinese weaponry, showcasing the growing interest in military technology. Military cooperation between Egypt and China reached new heights last month during the joint "Eagles of Civilization" exercises. These drills included a rare air combat scenario involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets and French Rafale aircraft, demonstrating the integration of advanced technologies and operational capabilities. Geographically and strategically, Egypt holds significant importance for China. As home to the vital Suez Canal and boasting a population exceeding 110 million, Egypt serves as a crucial gateway for trade and investment. Its position also enhances China's access to African markets and strengthens its diplomatic leverage in the region, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue. According to Egyptian government data, imports from China surpassed $10 billion in the first half of the year, representing a 14% increase compared to the previous year. This growth highlights the robust nature of their economic ties, with Chinese investments spanning multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. Chinese firms have made substantial contributions to Egypt's development, investing billions in projects such as container port expansions, green hydrogen initiatives, and industrial production. Notably, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation has played a pivotal role in constructing the new administrative capital, a flagship project led by el-Sissi. Scholars like H. A. Hellyer of the Royal United Services Institute emphasize that Egypt offers China a large domestic market and considerable diplomatic influence. With its strategic location and economic potential, Egypt represents a valuable asset for China's broader geopolitical and economic strategies in the Middle East.