China's leader calls for regional security overhaul during Cairo stop

During a rare visit to Egypt, Xi Jinping pressed Middle Eastern countries to resist external attempts to reshape the region's security order. He said Beijing is prepared to work with them to protect maritime routes threatened by the US-Iran confrontation. Egypt and China also pledged deeper counterterrorism cooperation and expanded trade using their own currencies.

The Suez Canal industrial zone agreement deepens Chinese economic engagement in Egypt, with the existing facility already hosting 200 companies and roughly $4 billion in investments. Xi's visit follows last month's signing of the Mecca Defence Alliance by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan, a move analysts interpret as regional powers seeking security arrangements beyond Washington's umbrella.

Egypt's position is notable given its status as one of the largest recipients of US military aid at $1.3 billion annually. The Cairo talks covered the six-month US-Israel war on Iran, with both leaders urging diplomatic solutions. The visit precedes an expected Xi-Trump meeting this month, and comes amid disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.