China Proposes a New Security Order for the Middle East

During his visit to Egypt, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on countries in the region to reject outside interference and become "masters of their own destiny". He also called on them to explore possibilities for a new regional security architecture. His first trip to the region in four years comes amid the US war against Iran.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed his guest in Cairo with a military ceremony. The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in security, counterterrorism, data centers, semiconductors and supply chains for critical metals.

They also aim to strengthen the mutual use of their currencies in trade and investment. At the same time, Beijing offered cooperation in protecting maritime routes after the conflict disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb strait.

Cairo describes the expansion of its relations with major powers as a policy of strategic balance. Although it receives approximately $1.3bn annually in military aid from Washington, it is strengthening its economic and defense ties with China.

Chinese investments in the Suez Canal economic zone have reached approximately $4bn. Both sides plan to expand the industrial area there, with ZC Rubber Group exploring the construction of a $500m tire plant.

(Reuters, bak)