Chinese President Xi Jinping has advocated for a new security framework in the Middle East, emphasizing cooperation, dialogue, and respect for national sovereignty. His proposal came during discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, where he outlined a four-point approach to bolster regional security collaboration, tackle interconnected conflicts, support economic growth, and enhance international coordination. Xi underscored the need for Middle Eastern countries to assume greater responsibility for their own security, opposing interference from external powers, and highlighted the Palestinian issue as central to resolving broader regional tensions.
China has also shown readiness to work with Middle Eastern nations on safeguarding international shipping routes, promoting economic development, and addressing the roots of conflict. Xi stressed the importance of adhering to the United Nations Charter and international law as the basis for managing regional issues. Additionally, the dialogue between Xi and El-Sisi heavily focused on enhancing economic ties between China and Egypt. Xi advocated for increased collaboration in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, communications, electric vehicles, green energy, aerospace, and the digital economy.
For 14 consecutive years, China has been Egypt’s largest trading partner and primary source of imports, with bilateral trade climbing from $10.21 billion in 2013 to $20.79 billion in 2025. The two nations took steps to further solidify their economic partnership by signing over 20 cooperation agreements in areas such as artificial intelligence, trade, technology, education, transportation, and industrial supply chains. These agreements are part of a broader strategy to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The discussions between the two leaders reflect China’s ongoing commitment to playing a constructive role in the Middle East, with an emphasis on regional self-determination and non-interference from outside forces. By prioritizing economic development and regional cooperation, China aims to contribute to a more stable and prosperous Middle East, aligning with its broader foreign policy objectives and economic interests in the region. The joint statement issued by China and Egypt reaffirms their commitment to deepening their strategic partnership, setting the stage for closer ties in the years to come.