Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday during his first visit to Egypt in a decade.
The Xi Egypt visit comes as tensions grow over the war involving Iran and the threat of new US sanctions on financial institutions linked to Tehran.
Xi arrived in Cairo on Tuesday evening with Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan. Sisi and his wife, Entissar Amer, welcomed the Chinese president at the airport.
A traditional performance greeted Xi after he stepped off the plane. Teenagers wearing T-shirts with his picture also lined the arrival area.
The two-day visit will focus on trade, investment and regional security. The two leaders are also expected to discuss the wider impact of the US-Iran conflict.
Xi Egypt Visit Comes Amid US-Iran Tensions
The Xi Egypt visit gives Cairo an opportunity to highlight its independent foreign policy.
Egypt maintains close relations with both China and the United States. Washington remains an important military partner for Cairo, while Beijing has expanded its economic presence in the country.
Sisi recently stressed Egypt’s “independent foreign policy” in an opinion article published by Egyptian media.
His comments came shortly after the US imposed sanctions on the Emirati branch of Banque Misr. Washington accused the bank of supporting Iran.
The United States has also warned that its efforts to isolate Iran could extend to financial institutions in China and other countries.
China remains a major buyer of Iranian oil. Beijing has said it will protect its economic interests as tensions increase.
The timing also matters because Xi is expected to meet US President Donald Trump later this month.
China and Egypt Seek More Investment
Economic cooperation will form a major part of the talks.
Xi and Sisi are expected to witness the signing of several agreements covering artificial intelligence, transportation and energy.
Both countries are members of BRICS and have strengthened economic ties in recent years.
Chinese companies have played an important role in several major Egyptian development projects.
One major example is the Finance and Business District in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. Chinese investment has helped build the large development east of Cairo.
China also has a significant presence in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
The strategic area could attract further Chinese investment as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global shipping and trade.
Egypt Highlights Strategic Ties With China
The Xi Egypt visit also highlights the growing political relationship between Cairo and Beijing.
Egypt hosted major joint air combat exercises with China in August. The exercises included China’s J-16 fighter aircraft.
The military cooperation came as Egypt continues to strengthen its relationships with major global powers.
Across Cairo, Egyptian and Chinese flags have appeared along major roads ahead of Xi’s arrival. Billboards featuring Xi and Sisi have also been displayed across the capital.
Cairo has warned residents about traffic disruptions during the visit.
Xi is expected to travel through several parts of the capital on Wednesday. His itinerary includes a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids.
Trade Remains a Key Issue
China has become one of Egypt’s most important trading partners.
Chinese customs data showed that China’s trade surplus with Egypt reached about $12 billion during the first seven months of 2026.
Egypt is also seeking more foreign investment to support its large infrastructure and development plans.
For Beijing, stronger ties with Egypt provide access to one of the Middle East’s most strategically important countries.
Egypt controls the Suez Canal, a vital route for global maritime trade.
The Xi Egypt visit therefore carries significance beyond bilateral relations. It comes at a time when China, Egypt and other regional powers are balancing economic interests with growing geopolitical pressure from Washington.
The talks between Xi and Sisi could provide a clearer picture of how the two countries plan to expand their partnership while navigating the wider tensions surrounding Iran and global trade.
