AusBangla News: Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Middle Eastern countries to resist external interference and take greater control of the region’s security arrangements, signalling Beijing’s ambition to play a larger diplomatic and economic role amid the continuing US-led war against Iran.
During talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday, Xi said Middle Eastern nations should become “masters of their own destiny” and explore a new regional security framework based on dialogue and cooperation.
Xi’s visit—his first trip to the Middle East in four years and first state visit to Egypt in a decade—comes as months of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran have disrupted international trade, shaken regional economies and raised questions about Washington’s future security role.
The Chinese leader said Beijing was prepared to cooperate with regional governments to protect international shipping routes. Maritime security has become increasingly important following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb—two strategically vital passages for global energy supplies and commercial shipping.
Presidents Xi and Sisi also called for diplomatic efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement to the Iran conflict and prevent further regional escalation. Their discussions included plans to strengthen counterterrorism coordination and broader security cooperation. Reuters
China–Egypt partnership deepens
The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in data centres, semiconductors and critical-mineral supply chains. They also plan to increase the use of their national currencies in bilateral trade and investment.
Egyptian authorities announced the third phase of a Chinese-developed industrial zone near the Suez Canal. The existing zone reportedly accommodates about 200 companies and has attracted approximately US$4 billion in Chinese investment.
Egypt remains a major US defence partner, receiving about US$1.3 billion in American military assistance annually. However, Cairo has increasingly sought to diversify its international partnerships through what President Sisi describes as a policy of “strategic balance.”
China considers Egypt strategically important because of its control of the Suez Canal, its large domestic market and its political influence across the Middle East and Africa.
Recent joint military exercises between China and Egypt—known as the “Eagles of Civilization”—have further demonstrated the strengthening defence relationship between the two countries.
Xi’s message reflects Beijing’s wider effort to present China as an alternative diplomatic and economic partner at a time when traditional US allies in the Middle East are reconsidering their security dependence on Washington.
Whether China can transform its growing trade, investment and diplomatic presence into a lasting regional security role remains uncertain. However, Xi’s Cairo visit clearly indicates that Beijing wants a stronger voice in determining the Middle East’s future political and security order.
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