Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Middle Eastern nations to establish a new security framework and reject foreign interference during a high-profile state visit to Cairo, according to state media reports from Anadolu Agency and TRT World published on September 3, 2026. Arriving on a Tuesday for his first visit to Egypt in a decade, Xi met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi at the Ittihadiya Presidential Palace, where he was greeted with a 21-gun salute as discussions pivoted toward regional stability, the US-Iran conflict, and bilateral trade expansion.
Xi Jinping Urges Middle East Security Framework in Cairo
During the two-day diplomatic trip, President Xi emphasized that regional actors must retain control over their own destinies amid escalating tensions across the Middle East. According to statements published by the state-run Xinhua news agency on September 2, Xi stressed that Beijing fully supports regional states in building a novel security architecture.
“China supports regional countries in building a new security architecture for the Middle East,” Xi stated, as reported by Xinhua. The Chinese leader advocated for comprehensive solutions and shared security, reiterating that the Palestinian issue remains at the core of regional challenges and should not be ignored. Furthermore, Xi called for an effective role for the United Nations and urged external powers to abandon double standards regarding Middle Eastern affairs.
Bilateral Cooperation and Opposition to Unilateralism
The talks between Xi and Sisi also focused heavily on deepening economic ties alongside geopolitical alignment. According to the Egyptian presidency, both leaders pushed for diplomatic solutions and comprehensive agreements to halt ongoing conflicts. Xi urged both nations to forge breakthroughs in green energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, digital economies, and modern agricultural technology.
Did you know? President Xi Jinping’s September 2026 visit to Egypt marked his first state trip to the country in ten years, highlighting a renewed diplomatic push by Beijing in North Africa.
Amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz driven by the US-Iran conflict, Xi stated that China is ready to work alongside Middle Eastern countries to protect international shipping lanes. Both leaders also called for joint resistance against unilateralism and bullying practices, reinforcing multilateral diplomatic channels.
Pre-Summit Talks with Russia at the SCO Gathering
Before touching down in Cairo, President Xi held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kyrgyzstan, according to AFP reporting. Both leaders traveled to Central Asia to attend a two-day summit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional bloc designed to counterbalance Western influence.
“Cooperation is developing successfully in various areas,” President Putin told Xi ahead of their bilateral talks, noting that digital innovation, including artificial intelligence, provides fresh economic momentum for both nations. Russia continues to lean on China as a primary consumer for its oil exports following Western sanctions tied to the war in Ukraine, a conflict Beijing has consistently refrained from criticizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main purpose of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt?
According to Anadolu Agency, the visit focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation in fields like green energy and technology, alongside pushing for a new regional security framework free from outside interference.
What did China and Egypt say about Middle Eastern security?
Both leaders called for diplomatic solutions to end active conflicts, emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains central to regional stability, and urged global powers to drop double standards.
Where did Xi Jinping travel before arriving in Cairo?
Prior to visiting Egypt, Xi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
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