China's Xi urges new Middle East security framework during Egypt visit

Beijing, China – During a visit to Egypt, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged regional nations to oppose external interference and consider restructuring the Middle East's security framework, as Beijing strives to bolster its influence following the U.S. war against Iran. This marks Xi's first trip to the Middle East in four years, as U.S. partners in the region reassess their strategic alliances in the aftermath of months of conflict that have disrupted trade, undermined economies, and questioned Washington's enduring presence.

Welcomed by Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with a military ceremony in Cairo, Xi advocated for regional countries to "master their own destiny" and explore a new security architecture. He also pledged China's willingness to collaborate with regional nations to protect shipping routes, a matter of heightened concern in light of conflict-related disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.

Xi and al-Sisi agreed to deepen security cooperation, enhance counterterrorism coordination, and expand partnerships in areas such as data centers, semiconductors, critical metals supply chains, and the use of each other's currencies in trade and investment, according to a joint statement released by China's state news agency Xinhua. For Egypt, strengthening ties with China aligns with broader efforts to diversify international partnerships and counterbalance growing global rivalries.