Xi Jinping Proposes a New Security Architecture for the Middle East
Political
Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed establishing a new security architecture in the Middle East during a state visit to Egypt. He said countries in the region should become “masters of their own destiny” and that cooperation should contribute to regional stability.
Xi also said the new security framework should have no place for unilateral economic sanctions and should ensure freedom of navigation. He added that Beijing was ready to work with regional countries to safeguard freedom of navigation at sea. No specific steps for implementing the proposal were announced.
During talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, China and Egypt agreed to expand cooperation in counterterrorism, data centres, semiconductor production and rare-metal supplies. Under a declaration signed by the two leaders, the countries also plan to make wider use of their own currencies in trade instead of the dollar.
Egypt, meanwhile, is seeking to diversify its international partnerships and pursue a balanced foreign policy rather than relying on a single power. Cairo receives around $1.3 billion in annual US military assistance, but has steadily expanded its partnership with China in recent years.
Economic ties between the two countries are also growing. The Chinese industrial park in the Suez Canal industrial zone is set to be expanded. Chinese company ZC Rubber Group will invest $500 million to build a plant producing automobile tyres.
The growing relationship also includes military cooperation. In August, joint exercises were held involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets and French-made Rafale fighters.
Xi’s visit also highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two countries. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan visited the Grand Egyptian Museum together with Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his wife. Xi highlighted the ancient heritage of both countries and called for greater dialogue, mutual learning and inclusive interaction among civilisations.
Against the backdrop of changes in the region, China and Egypt are seeking to expand cooperation in economic, security and humanitarian areas. At the same time, the source materials note that Beijing and Cairo are not tying their partnership to military commitments.
During talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, China and Egypt agreed to expand cooperation in counterterrorism, data centres, semiconductor production and rare-metal supplies. Under a declaration signed by the two leaders, the countries also plan to make wider use of their own currencies in trade instead of the dollar.
Egypt, meanwhile, is seeking to diversify its international partnerships and pursue a balanced foreign policy rather than relying on a single power. Cairo receives around $1.3 billion in annual US military assistance, but has steadily expanded its partnership with China in recent years.
Economic ties between the two countries are also growing. The Chinese industrial park in the Suez Canal industrial zone is set to be expanded. Chinese company ZC Rubber Group will invest $500 million to build a plant producing automobile tyres.
The growing relationship also includes military cooperation. In August, joint exercises were held involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets and French-made Rafale fighters.
Xi’s visit also highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two countries. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan visited the Grand Egyptian Museum together with Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his wife. Xi highlighted the ancient heritage of both countries and called for greater dialogue, mutual learning and inclusive interaction among civilisations.
Against the backdrop of changes in the region, China and Egypt are seeking to expand cooperation in economic, security and humanitarian areas. At the same time, the source materials note that Beijing and Cairo are not tying their partnership to military commitments.
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