China’s Xi Jinping holds talks with Sisi in first Egypt visit in a decade

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, marking his first visit to the country in a decade. The 21-gun salute at Ittihadiya Palace marked the beginning of discussions expected to cover the ongoing Middle East conflict, maritime trade security, and Chinese investment in Egypt.

The two nations, both members of the BRICS group, are anticipated to sign several economic agreements, including those pertaining to artificial intelligence, transportation, and manufacturing. China currently holds investments worth around US$10 billion in Egypt, with stakes in the Suez Canal Economic Zone expected to increase as global maritime trade is threatened by the US-Iran war.

China has been a key player in Sisi's ambitious projects, such as the New Administrative Capital, a 50-kilometer (30-mile) eastern stretch of Cairo funded largely by Chinese investment. Egypt is a significant exporter to China, with a trade surplus of US$12 billion in the first seven months of 2026, according to Chinese customs data.

During his visit, Xi is expected to tour Cairo, including a stop at the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. Cairo's residents, lined with Chinese and Egyptian flags, have been warned about potential traffic delays as the president traverses the megalopolis, home to over 26 million people.

Analysts suggest that Cairo will leverage the summit to emphasize its independent foreign policy amidst the global polarization. In an op-ed published earlier this week, Sisi highlighted the partnership between Egypt and China in strengthening the role of the global south.

The United States has vowed to isolate Iran economically, with potential sanctions that could also impact Chinese banks. As a major buyer of Iranian oil, China has pledged to protect its interests. The Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump are slated to meet this month, setting the stage for further strengthening of ties between the two nations.

Egypt recently hosted joint air combat exercises with the Chinese military, featuring Beijing's powerful J-16 fighter jet, further solidifying the strategic bond between the two countries.