China-Egypt joint drills showcase Beijing’s growing military reach

China’s military reach is beginning to follow its economic expansion, and Egypt has provided a clear demonstration. Chinese J-16 fighters recently flew to the country, supported by YU-20 tankers that refuelled them in the air.

The aircraft are participating in the Eagles of Civilisation exercises alongside Egyptian Rafales and MiG-29s. It is the first time China has sent the jets to Africa, giving its forces experience in moving combat aircraft across continents and operating with a major Arab military.

The drills come as President Xi Jinping visits Egypt to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. The relationship has moved beyond diplomacy and trade into infrastructure, technology and military cooperation.

China’s commercial interests are already deeply tied to the Suez Canal. Chinese companies have built manufacturing and logistics operations in Egypt, using the country as a production and distribution base for supply chains connected to European, African and Middle Eastern markets.

That economic presence continues to grow. Egyptian companies signed 17 export contracts worth $168 million with Chinese buyers last month, while Chinese investment in Egypt during the first half of 2026 was estimated at up to $2 billion. Beijing has also extended zero-tariff treatment to Egyptian goods, removing duties that had reached 30 percent. The relationship remains uneven, however: Egypt’s trade deficit with China exceeded $18 billion last year.