Xi Jinping calls for new security architecture for the Middle East

Xi Jinping Calls for New Security System for Middle East

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Egypt on September 2 for the first time in four years, urging Middle Eastern countries to resist external interference and review the security system in the region.

In a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, Xi Jinping stressed the need for countries in the region to "take ownership of their own destiny" and consider a new regional "security architecture." China also expressed its willingness to work with countries in the region to ensure the security of maritime routes. This issue has become more urgent as conflicts in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab have disrupted shipping.

The two sides agreed to deepen security cooperation and strengthen coordination on counterterrorism. In addition, it is planned to expand cooperation in data centers, semiconductors and key metals supply chains, and to increase the use of mutual national currencies in trade and investment.

Egypt has been expanding economic and military ties with China in recent years. On the eve of the visit, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that Egypt is seeking to diversify international cooperation and pursue a policy of "strategic balance" in the face of increased global competition.

Egypt is an important partner for China due to its access to the Suez Canal and Africa, as well as its diplomatic influence in the Middle East. Chinese companies have invested billions of dollars in Egypt in areas such as container ports, green hydrogen projects, steel pipes, automobile tires and satellite production. According to the Egyptian government, Chinese investments in the Suez Canal Economic Zone amount to about $4 billion.

Xi Jinping's visit comes as China seeks to expand its diplomatic and economic role in the Middle East amid the war between the United States and Iran.

China and India have previously agreed to maintain peace and tranquility on their Himalayan border. The border between the two countries has been disputed for many years, and there was a military clash in the area in 2020. Since then, the sides have continued talks to stabilize the situation on the border and reduce tensions between the military forces.