Egypt and China Affirm Their Long-standing Strategic Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Egypt from Sept. 1 to 2, 2026. The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, underscoring the depth and strength of bilateral relations.

Why China-Egypt relations are so important

Egypt has a long history of resisting colonialism and supporting stability in Africa and the Arab world. It has supported many African countries in their struggle for independence and liberation and has also supported development in numerous African nations. In this respect, Egypt shares many similarities with China and therefore enjoys considerable influence among many African and Arab peoples. Egypt also holds strategic importance in terms of military power; its army ranks among the top 20 in the world, a strength crucial for stability in the Middle East.

Furthermore, Egypt’s strategic location, situated between Asia, Africa, and Europe, and its control of the Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, make it a vital artery for global trade. Egypt also benefits from numerous trade agreements that allow its products access to African, Arab, Asian, European, and American markets.

Fruitful outcomes over the past 10 years

Over the past decade, relations between China and Egypt have reached unprecedented levels. In 2014, they were elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. In 2016, Egypt joined the Belt and Road Initiative, followed by its accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and then the BRICS group.

Looking at economic cooperation between Egypt and China over the past decade, we also find unprecedented achievements. Chinese investments have increased more than 60-fold, thanks to the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. Chinese investments have diversified into vital sectors, including clean energy, such as the Benyan Solar Power Plant in Aswan, the largest solar power plant in Africa, and investments in developing Egyptian ports, such as the Port of Alexandria and Sokna Port. Chinese investments also include construction of the financial and business center in the New Administrative Capital and the New Alamein Towers. In the transportation sector, the electric monorail connecting the New Administrative Capital to downtown Cairo is a leading project. China also provided Egypt with a satellite assembly station, and technological cooperation in this important field has already begun. The number of companies has reached 2800 in various sectors, up from 450, and many factories have started production.

Future cooperation opportunities

At the strategic level, both countries need each other, and no long-term plans can be built without leveraging the deep-rooted relationship between them for the benefit of both peoples. Therefore, future cooperation will encompass broader and deeper areas, such as artificial intelligence, clean energies, tourism, and security.

China will also deepen its industrial presence in Egypt, enabling Egypt to build a large industrial base that allows it to meet domestic market needs and export to Africa and Europe. This will alleviate pressure on the Egyptian economy, create numerous job opportunities, and contribute to social and political stability for the largest Arab nation. This will help China maintain a strategic balance in the region and safeguard its vital energy supplies, while also opening new investment opportunities and mutually beneficial exchanges with many Arab and African countries, following the Egyptian model.

Direct outcomes from the visit

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone and China’s Ministry of Commerce. This signing is part of a series of agreements and memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the fields of technology, the digital economy, finance, and transportation, further solidifying the economic zone’s position as a pivotal hub for global investments.

Beijing has made it clear that it will support the countries of the region in building a new security architecture for the Middle East. People in the Middle East should remain masters of their own affairs, and external interference should be rejected, while a comprehensive approach should be adopted to advance common security in the region. China stands ready to work with Middle East countries to safeguard the security of international shipping lanes. The visit marked a new strategic step that embodied the depth of the partnership between Egypt and China.

The article reflects the author’s opinions, and not necessarily the views of China Focus.