Xi Calls on Mideast Nations to Be ‘Masters of Their Own Affairs’ in Rare Egypt Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of self-reliance and local control during his rare visit to Egypt, urging regional states to “uphold the principle that the people of the Middle East are the masters of their own affairs.” This statement reflects Beijing’s broader strategy in the region: to supplant traditional Western powers like the US as primary brokers of regional security and economic development.

China has long pursued a pattern of economic statecraft, investing in infrastructure, securing trade agreements, and cultivating strategic partnerships to carve out areas of influence. The Middle East, with its rich energy reserves and strategic waterways, is the latest – and perhaps most significant – battleground for this strategy. Beijing’s investments in Egyptian infrastructure and trade agreements, including the creation of a third phase of the Egyptian-Chinese industrial zone at the Suez Canal, demonstrate its commitment to reshaping the region on its own terms.

Egypt’s motivations are equally compelling. As one of the largest recipients of US military aid, Cairo has historically walked a delicate balance between Washington and Beijing. By deepening ties with China, Egypt seeks to diversify its partnerships and reduce dependence on a single power. This is evident in Sisi’s recent op-ed highlighting Cairo’s “independent foreign policy,” which positions Egypt as a regional player capable of navigating the complex web of global alliances.

The Iran-US conflict continues to destabilize the region, creating an opportunity for China to capitalize on Western vacillation. Beijing’s investments in Egyptian infrastructure and trade agreements have already yielded significant returns, and new investments are expected to flow into critical arteries of global commerce. This will only deepen China’s influence in the region – particularly as other conduits are choked by conflict.

Xi’s visit has raised questions about Egypt’s willingness to cede sovereignty in favor of regional security cooperation with China. When Sisi hosted joint air combat exercises with the Chinese military, featuring Beijing’s powerful J-16 fighter jet, it marked a significant step towards cooperation – but also highlighted Cairo’s delicate balancing act between Washington and Beijing.

As Xi Jinping concludes his visit and heads towards the Grand Egyptian Museum overlooking the Giza Pyramids, China has set its sights on Middle East supremacy. The question now is whether this quiet play will pay off – or whether regional states will resist Beijing’s growing influence in favor of more established alliances.