State President of China Xi Jinping's Visit to Egypt (September 2026)

President Xi Jinping’s 2026 visit to Egypt is an official visit marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the first such visit to Egypt in a decade, during which bilateral relations and regional developments were discussed.

President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on 1 September 2026 for official talks. These talks marked Xi’s first visit to Egypt since 2016 and coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed Xi at Cairo International Airport. The visit was significant not only for advancing economic and strategic ties between the two nations but also for addressing regional developments in the Middle East.

Diplomatic relations between China and Egypt were established in 1956, making Egypt one of the first Arab and African countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China. Relations between the two countries were elevated to a higher level with the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2014. Since Sisi assumed office in 2014, his multiple visits to China have contributed to intensifying Cairo-Beijing relations particularly in the fields of economy, infrastructure and investment.

^{Çin Devlet Başkanı Şi Cinping ve Mısır Cumhurbaşkanı Abdulfettah es-Sisi (1 Eylül, 2026) (Anadolu Ajansı)}

In an article published in the Egyptian press prior to his visit, Xi Jinping stated that China-Egypt ties are currently experiencing one of the best periods in their 70-year history. He called for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership, enhancing mutual political trust and continuing mutual support on issues concerning the fundamental interests of both countries.

China has become one of Egypt’s most important trading partners. Bilateral trade volume reached approximately $20.7 billion by the end of 2025. In the first half of 2026, Egypt’s exports to China increased by approximately 200 percent to $840.8 million, while imports from China amounted to approximately $10.4 billion during the same period.

Chinese investments have been concentrated particularly in the economic zones around the Suez Canal. The China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Commercial Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna, developed under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has become one of the flagship projects of the two countries’ economic partnership. Around 200 companies operate in the zone, with total investments exceeding $3.8 billion. Chinese investments in Egypt have also extended into manufacturing, port infrastructure and renewable energy.

Egypt’s strategic location between Africa, Asia and Europe and its control of the Suez Canal have made it one of China’s key partners under the Belt and Road Initiative. For Beijing, the Suez Canal is one of the main transit points for trade routes between China and Europe.

^{Çin Devlet Başkanı Şi Cinping ve Mısır Cumhurbaşkanı Abdulfettah es-Sisi (1 Eylül, 2026) (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The Egyptian government has also viewed Chinese investments as part of its broader policy to enhance the country’s industrial and infrastructure capacity. Chinese companies have been active in various sectors, from projects in the new administrative capital east of Cairo to industrial investments in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

Discussions between Xi and Sisi covered not only bilateral relations but also political and security developments in the Middle East. The visit took place amid ongoing conflicts in the region and the emergence of new political balances following the Iran conflict. In recent years, China has increased its diplomatic and economic engagement in the Middle East, while Egypt has sought to strengthen its relations with various global actors including China, Russia and European countries.

The Palestinian issue also featured on the regional agenda of both countries. Xi stated that China and Egypt support the restoration of the Palestinian people’s national rights and favor a political resolution to regional issues. Sisi emphasized that the expansion of regional conflicts serves no interest of any regional or international actor.

One of the key issues of importance to Egypt is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, constructed by Ethiopia on the Nile River. The Cairo administration has long been in disagreement with Ethiopia over the potential impact of the dam’s operation on Egypt’s water security.

In the article published prior to his visit, Sisi expressed satisfaction with China’s recognition of the vital importance of the Nile River to Egypt. The Egyptian government advocates avoiding unilateral actions regarding Nile waters and promoting a cooperative solution based on mutual agreement among the parties involved.

Xi’s visit coincided with a period of growing military ties between China and Egypt. In August 2026, the two countries conducted a joint air exercise in Egypt. The participation of Chinese J-16 fighter jets alongside French-made Rafale fighters in Egypt’s inventory was seen as evidence of the expanding scope of defense cooperation between the two nations.

^{Çin Devlet Başkanı Şi Cinping ve Mısır Cumhurbaşkanı Abdulfettah es-Sisi (1 Eylül, 2026) (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt after a decade marks a key element of China’s policy to expand its economic and diplomatic relations in the Middle East and North Africa. Egypt’s strategic position controlling the Suez Canal, its role in regional diplomacy and its location between Africa and the Middle East have made it one of Beijing’s key partners. Egypt’s accession to BRICS has further expanded the scope of multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the 2014 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, advancing projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and increasing trade and investment. Xi’s visit also reflects a broader trend in which China’s economic presence in the region is increasingly complemented by military and diplomatic engagement.