Egyptian-Chinese relations in the last 10 years have become a model for a comprehensive partnership built on respect, trust, understanding and shared interests.
by Assem Hanafi
Over the past decade, relations between Egypt and China — officially established in May 1956 — have gained unprecedented momentum, marked by deepening political cooperation and robust economic engagement.
The shared vision of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Chinese President Xi Jinping was crucial in establishing the comprehensive strategic partnership, officially announced in December 2014.
The past 10 years have seen an increase in high-level visits. Head-of-state diplomacy has greatly strengthened bilateral ties, with the two presidents meeting several times in the last decade, through bilateral visits or at multilateral forums like BRICS and the G20.
President Sisi’s visit to Beijing in May 2024 was particularly important. During this visit, the two heads of state agreed to enhance relations, with a focus on industrial localization and technology transfer as key priorities for future cooperation.
This includes expanding Chinese industrial investments in Egypt in areas such as electric vehicle manufacturing, electronics, solar panel production, chemical industries, building materials and modern agricultural technology. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in media, culture, science, artificial intelligence and academia.
Recent years have also seen robust ministerial and high-level bilateral visits. Besides President Sisi, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hanafy Ali Gebaly visited China in August 2024, and Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly in October 2023 and September 2024.
Various ministers from both sides, including foreign affairs, trade and other ministers, have also exchanged visits. The foreign ministers held their latest strategic dialogue in December 2024, strengthening political and economic cooperation and fostering understanding on the Middle East and development issues.
Economically, China is a major trade and investment partner for Egypt. Bilateral trade exceeded 17 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, and Chinese investments in Egypt have surged, especially in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
The China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, hosting 185 companies, has become a model for industrial cooperation.
Major Chinese firms have also contributed to mega infrastructure projects like the Central Business District in the new administrative capital and New Alamein City, as well as in port development, renewable energy, electric railways and the telecommunications sector.
Egypt plays a pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a gateway between Asia and Africa. Its geopolitical position strengthens its ability to connect major trade corridors, boosting development in Egypt and participating countries.
Egypt’s accession to BRICS in 2024 is a significant economic and diplomatic step, adding a multilateral dimension to its relationship with China.
In a changing international landscape, BRICS provides a platform for developing countries to coordinate efforts in finance, technology and local currency trade.
This opens new avenues for Egyptian-Chinese cooperation within a framework that supports financial and economic multilateralism and greater inclusion of Global South countries in global economic mechanisms.
Cultural exchanges have always been integral to bilateral relations, reflecting the rich heritage of both nations.
More Egyptian students are pursuing higher education in China, while the number of Confucius Institutes in Egypt has also increased.
Artistic, cinematic and heritage initiatives, alongside a growing number of Chinese tourists to Egyptian historical sites, underscore the vitality of this cultural bond.
Cairo and Beijing share a vision of respecting national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and viewing development as essential for security.
Egypt has consistently supported the one-China principle and Chinese territorial integrity. China, in turn, has backed Egypt’s right to development and efforts on regional issues, particularly the Palestinian issue.
They have enhanced coordination in counter-terrorism efforts and cooperation within the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to support African development.
In conclusion, Egyptian-Chinese relations in the last 10 years have become a model for a comprehensive partnership built on respect, trust, understanding and shared interests.
As global challenges accelerate, there’s a growing need for partnerships based on respect for sovereignty, balance and reliability, principles clearly embodied by the Egyptian-Chinese relationship.
Editor’s note: Assem Hanafi is a former Egyptian ambassador to China (2022-2025).
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.■
