- Xi Jinping‘s first Egypt visit in a decade, met by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, marks the 70th anniversary and deepens the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- China is a major investor: about 200 companies, roughly $3.8 billion invested, key TEDA zone and New Administrative Capital projects, bilateral trade ~$20.7 billion.
- Visit signals China-Egypt alignment on the Iran war, GERD, and defense ties, highlighting Global South role before BRICS and the G20.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Egypt for his first visit in a decade. He was met by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The trip marks the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties. Presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy said it will build on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in 2014. “The visit will also include consultations on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest,” he said.
China is a key trade and investment partner. About 200 Chinese companies have invested roughly $3.8 billion in the country, focusing on export processing zones in the Suez region. The China-Egypt TEDA cooperation zone in Ain Sokhna has emerged as a key BRI node. Bilateral trade hit about $20.7 billion in 2025.
Chinese companies have also played a major role in building the country’s New Administrative Capital, a key government project located about 50 kilometers outside Cairo.
The two sides are expected to sign a series of economic agreements during the visit. However, the relationship also has wider symbolism. In a recent op-ed, el-Sisi framed it as a partnership “in strengthening the role of the Global South.” Egypt is also a key partner in China’s Global Civilization Initiative.
Key Issues Affecting the Visit
- GERD: Egypt is in a long-term dispute with Ethiopia about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric facility on the Nile River. Chinese companies have built key transmission networks connecting GERD to the country’s rapidly expanding special economic zones. Meanwhile, el-Sisi expressed thanks to China for what he framed as support for multilateral cooperation on the issue.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Coming just after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan and a contentious U.S.-hosted G20 meeting, and ahead of the BRICS summit and a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, the trip provides clues on China’s emerging position on several global crises, including the Iran war.
