East Asia
Countries in the Middle East region should be "masters of their own destiny" and explore a new regional "security architecture", says the Chinese president.
China's President Xi Jinping listens to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, at Cairo International Airport, Egypt, on Sep 1, 2026. (Photo: Pool via Reuters/Khaled Desouki)
03 Sep 2026 10:53AM
CAIRO: Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Middle Eastern nations to oppose external interference and consider reshaping the region's security order during a visit to Egypt on Wednesday (Sep 2), as Beijing seeks to expand its influence amid the United States war against Iran.Xi's first trip to the Middle East in four years comes as US partners in the region reassess their strategic relationships after months of conflict that have disrupted trade, shaken economies and raised questions about Washington's long-term role.Egypt, itself a major US defence partner that receives around US$1.3 billion annually in military aid from Washington, has been steadily increasing economic and military cooperation with China in recent years.Welcomed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with a military ceremony in Cairo, Xi said countries in the region should be "masters of their own destiny" and explore a new regional "security architecture", according to China's state news agency Xinhua.
