Chinese President Xi starts state visit to Egypt with energy, AI on agenda

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Egypt on Tuesday on a rare trip to the Middle East as both countries face the threat of US sanctions over financial links to Iran.

Xi and his wife were greeted on the tarmac by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the first lady, as well as a performance by an Egyptian folk dance troupe.

The two-day visit comes as both countries seek to manage the fallout of the months-long Middle East war, which began when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, throwing the crucial trade region into crisis.

Washington vowed last month to destabilise Iran economically, warning of expanded sanctions against Tehran's backers and partners that could hit Egyptian and Chinese banks, among others.

Xi's visit "comes at a time when China's economic interests are directly exposed to the US-Iran war", said Gamal Salama, political science professor at Egypt's Suez University.

China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, has presented itself as a neutral party in the Middle East conflict, repeatedly calling for a lasting ceasefire.

Egypt, a long-time recipient of US military aid, warned against regional escalation after a drone strike hit one of its ports in July.

China is "clearly seeking Egypt's cooperation in managing and shaping regional affairs", said Liu Jia, a research fellow at the Singapore-based Middle East Institute.

Beijing works closely with regional actors such as Egypt, which mediates between Israel and Palestinian groups, Liu added.

Both China and Egypt support an independent Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.

"China sees Cairo as a strategic power broker," said Salama.

Egypt's "relations with both Washington and regional actors give Beijing both political access and diplomatic leverage across a region where China wants a much greater say," he added.

Xi and Sisi are expected to discuss issues including the Gaza war, Iran, and shipping in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, according to Egyptian media.

"I look forward to renewing the friendship and working together with President Sisi to... map out a new blueprint for deepening the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership," Xi wrote in an editorial published in Egyptian media on Tuesday.

The Chinese leader's first visit to Egypt in a decade comes as the two nations mark 70 years of diplomatic ties.

China is a major exporter to Egypt, with its trade surplus reaching $12 billion in the first seven months of 2026, according to Chinese customs data.

The leaders are expected to sign agreements on artificial intelligence, transport, energy and investment in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Egyptian media reported.

The meeting with Xi sets Cairo up to land Chinese investments in its local AI and electronics industries, political scientist Salama said.