Sino-Egyptian ties marked by mutual trust, shared interests

Last week, President Xi Jinping visited Cairo to meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as the two countries marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Arab Republic of Egypt. The visit was not merely a ceremonial occasion but a culmination of progressively closer Sino-Egyptian relations based on mutual understanding and shared interests.

China sees Egypt as a vital partner in its westward trade, a strategic link between the Global South and the Mediterranean, and a prominent stage on which to showcase its industrial and technological capabilities.

From China's perspective, Egypt is a politically stable ally in a turbulent region, sharing with China the distinction of being among the world's oldest civilizations.

Conversely, Egypt views China as a stabilizing force in its region and a key partner in its efforts to modernize and diversify its economy. As the United States' role in the Middle East becomes less predictable, China's military prowess is gaining increased attention in Cairo.

To China, Egypt is primarily an Arab state. The 2016 China's Arab Policy Paper outlined a detailed vision of cooperation with Arab nations in politics, security, economics, culture, and technology, all within a framework of peaceful development and stability.

The economic core of that vision is the Belt and Road Initiative, which includes major infrastructure projects, trade development, advanced technologies, and enhanced cultural ties between China and Arab nations.

Since its launch in 2013, BRI has played a pivotal role in the Sino-Egyptian relationship. For Sisi, China is both an exemplary model of rapid modernization and a vital partner in Egypt's 2030 Vision for the long-term transformation of the country. The New Administrative Capital reflects Egyptian aspirations for a modern, competitive, knowledge-based economy.

The China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (TEDA) — the core BRI industrial cluster — serves as a hub for attracting logistics, technology and financial businesses.

For China, the Suez Canal is a crucial geostrategic route for Europe-bound trade, while TEDA offers Chinese businesses a logistics and manufacturing base. The New Administrative Capital showcases Chinese engineering and architectural capabilities; and the 385.8-meter Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Africa, is a dramatic statement to the Global South that, with China's support, Egypt is rising.

BRI cooperation is now moving toward new approaches to trade expansion. TEDA now focuses on smart logistics platforms, automated warehousing, and digitized port management systems. An increasing number of Chinese companies are bringing in ultra-modern technology for industrial automation, renewable energy manufacturing, and digital customs systems. At the same time, new financial mechanisms — such as RMB settlement channels, Chinese bank financing and BRI investment vehicles — are linking Chinese capital to Egypt's industrial development.

These developments are attracting attention from other regions, suggesting that if Chinese industry can thrive in Egypt, it might also succeed elsewhere in the Global South.

Military and security cooperation between China and Egypt has also grown.

Ten days before Xi's visit, a joint air exercise 'Eagles of Civilization' featured Chinese J-16 fighter planes flying alongside Egyptian Dassault Rafale and MiG 29M2 jets. This exercise showcased the advanced capabilities of the J-16s, including their sophisticated electronic warfare systems.

Although economic and security ties are largely driven by government initiatives, cultural ties are growing organically. As Xi has often stated, people-to-people exchanges are the lifeblood of relations between nations.

In the past, young Egyptians knew of China mainly through kung fu. Today, many Egyptians practice qi gong and tai chi, eat in Chinese restaurants, watch Chinese films and work alongside Chinese employees in both Chinese and Egyptian companies.

Some Egyptian students even learn Mandarin in high schools, making cultural exchanges a part of everyday Egyptian life.

Seventy years ago, when Sino-Egyptian diplomatic relations began, the Middle East was in crisis. Israel's military had invaded the Sinai Peninsula, and Britain and France, on the pretext of separating the Egyptian and Israeli combatants, landed troops at Port Said and Port Fuad, aiming to force the late President, Gamal Abdel Nasser, to step down and end his nationalization of the Suez Canal.

But the United States refused to support what the Dwight Eisenhower administration saw as a dangerously destabilizing conflict initiated by Europe's traditional colonial powers. Washington led an international outcry against the invasion, forcing the withdrawal of all forces.

Today, as China and Egypt call for the restoration of peace, there are strong echoes of that earlier crisis. In June this year, Israel carried out military attacks against Iranian targets. The US, closely coordinating with Israeli forces, launched air and naval strikes against Iran, advocating for a regime change. Ironically, this time European powers are avoiding involvement in the conflict and calling for an end to hostilities. Both China and Egypt stand for the restoration of peace.

China is the world's second biggest economy and a major military power, while Egypt is the most populous Arab nation. This makes the Sino-Egyptian relationship more consequential now. That's why, when the president of China went to meet the president of Egypt, the region and the world couldn't help but take notice.

The author is a former consul general of Egypt to Hong Kong SAR and a political and business advisor on MENA-China affairs.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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