Xi’s Cairo visit signals new phase in China-Egypt relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Egypt on Tuesday for his first visit since 2016, deepening ties beyond infrastructure into technology, AI and defence.

According to Euronews, bilateral trade hit $11.3 billion in early 2026, though the balance heavily favours Beijing.

Chinese and Egyptian forces are also holding their second joint air force exercise, “Eagles of Civilisation,” even as Washington remains Cairo’s key security partner.

Egypt is pushing for local manufacturing and technology transfer in EVs, solar power and AI as part of a five-year cooperation plan through 2028.