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

On September 2, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid his first visit to Egypt in a decade, meeting with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. The arrival was marked by a 21-gun salute at the Ittihadiya Palace. The summit aimed to discuss the ongoing Middle East war and its repercussions, including maritime trade security, and to increase Chinese investment in Egypt.

Both China and Egypt are BRICS members, and they are expected to sign several economic agreements, including those concerning artificial intelligence, transport, and manufacturing.

Egypt currently estimates Chinese investments at around US$10 billion, with more significant stakes in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which Beijing intends to expand further due to the US-Iran conflict. China is a major exporter to Egypt, with a trade surplus of US$12 billion in the first seven months of 2026.

During the visit, Xi is expected to tour the capital, Cairo, including the Grand Egyptian Museum overlooking the Giza Pyramids. Egypt's President Sisi previously emphasized the country's independent foreign policy and its partnership with China in strengthening the global south amidst increasing global polarization. The US has vowed to isolate Iran economically, which could impact China, as China is a major importer of Iranian oil.

Despite this, China has sought to strengthen ties with US-friendly regional nations, including Egypt. Egypt has also hosted major joint air combat exercises with the Chinese military, featuring Beijing's powerful J-16 fighter jet.