Xi visits Egypt as China seeks deeper influence across the Mideast

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, shakes hands with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi prior to their meeting in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026.

China’s President Xi Jinping visits Egypt this week for the first time in a decade. The trip illustrates China’s growing ambitions at a time when U.S. influence has been weakened by its war in Iran.

(Image credit: Xie Huanchi)