In a significant diplomatic gesture, Chinese President Xi Jinping has advocated for a new security paradigm in the Middle East that emphasizes cooperation, dialogue, and respect for national sovereignty. This proposal emerged during his discussions in Cairo with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Xi outlined a four-point strategy aimed at enhancing regional security collaboration, tackling interconnected conflicts, bolstering economic development, and improving international coordination.
Xi’s vision calls for Middle Eastern countries to assume greater responsibility for their security, resisting interference from external powers. He underscored the pivotal nature of the Palestinian issue in resolving broader tensions across the region. Furthermore, China has expressed its readiness to partner with regional nations to safeguard international shipping routes, promote economic growth, and address the root causes of conflict. Xi emphasized that the United Nations Charter and international law should remain the cornerstones for addressing regional challenges.
The discussions in Cairo heavily emphasized the strengthening of economic ties between China and Egypt. Xi advocated for increased cooperation in diverse sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, communications, electric vehicles, green energy, aerospace, and the digital economy. Reflecting their robust trade relationship, China has been Egypt’s primary trading partner and import source for 14 consecutive years, with bilateral trade escalating from $10.21 billion in 2013 to $20.79 billion in 2025.
More than 20 cooperation agreements were signed between the two nations, covering critical areas like artificial intelligence, trade, technology, education, transportation, and industrial supply chains. These agreements aim to further consolidate their comprehensive strategic partnership, underscoring the commitment to deepen economic and developmental ties.