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Egypt and China: A 70-Year Partnership Shaping a New Global Balance

When Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping, the scene goes beyond diplomatic protocol, reflecting nearly 70 years of relations that have developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual interests and respect.

Egyptian-Chinese relations have been built around key principles, most notably respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, helping establish stable political and strategic understanding between the two countries.

Growing Chinese Investments in Egypt

Economic cooperation between Egypt and China has expanded significantly in recent years, with Chinese investments in Egypt exceeding $10 billion and ambitions to increase them to around $15 billion.

The two countries are also working to strengthen financial and trade cooperation, including the renewal of the local currency swap agreement between the Egyptian pound and the Chinese yuan, valued at 30 billion yuan.

Egypt's membership in the BRICS group also creates additional opportunities to expand transactions using national currencies and diversify international trade mechanisms.

From the Suez Canal to Artificial Intelligence

Chinese investment is highly visible in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which has developed into an important hub for Chinese industries. More than 130 Chinese companies operate in sectors including energy, automobiles and heavy industries.

Chinese companies are also participating in major infrastructure projects in Egypt, including projects related to the Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital and the Light Rail Transit system.

The partnership also extends to digital infrastructure and advanced technology. Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, have shown interest in data centers and artificial intelligence-related projects, strengthening Egypt's position as a regional technology and communications hub.

Defense and Maritime Cooperation

Egyptian-Chinese cooperation also extends to the military field, with the two countries conducting joint exercises, including advanced air and military drills known as "Eagles of Civilization."

Such cooperation reflects growing defense coordination and the exchange of expertise, particularly in areas related to maritime security and the protection of international navigation routes.

A Partnership Beyond Trade

Over seven decades, Egyptian-Chinese relations have evolved from traditional trade and economic cooperation into a comprehensive strategic partnership covering politics, economics, technology and defense.

The partnership brings together Egypt's strategic geographic position, particularly the Suez Canal, with China's industrial and technological capabilities, giving the relationship growing importance amid major transformations in the international system.