China's Xi urges new Middle East security framework during Egypt visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Middle Eastern nations to oppose external interference and consider reshaping the region’s security order during a visit to Egypt on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to expand its influence amid the US-Israeli war against Iran. Xi’s first trip to the Middle East in four years comes as US partners in the region reassess their strategic relationships after months of conflict that have disrupted trade, shaken economies and raised questions about Washington’s long-term role. Egypt, itself a major US defence partner that receives around $1.3 billion annually in military aid from Washington, has been steadily increasing economic and military cooperation with China in recent years. Members of the Egyptian honour guard before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival at Cairo International Airport for an official visit to Egypt in Cairo, Egypt on September 1, 2026. —Reuters/File Welcomed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with a military ceremony in Cairo, Xi said countries in the region should be “masters of their own destiny” and explore a new regional “security architecture”, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua. Xi also said China was ready to wor