Why Xi Jinping is making a rare trip abroad to Egypt

Xi Jinping rarely leaves China these days. He spends only about two weeks a year abroad, compared with more than a month before the coronavirus pandemic. His average number of countries visited has fallen from 13 a year to six.

That makes his two-day visit to Egypt, his first in ten years, particularly notable. Xi arrived in Cairo on Tuesday evening and was received by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Officially, the trip marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Xi last visited Cairo for the 60th anniversary a decade ago.

Egypt’s importance to Beijing goes well beyond the anniversary. With a population of 110 million, the country occupies a position that Xi has described as unique, linking the Arab world with Africa. The Suez Canal is one of China’s most important trade routes to Europe. Egypt is also a key mediator in the Gaza war and a major political power between Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf states. Cairo hosts the headquarters of the Arab League.

Egypt has also risen to become one of the most important countries in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The project lost momentum during the pandemic, while many recipient countries accumulated heavy debt. But its structure has changed. According to economist Christoph Nedopil of the University of Queensland, private Chinese companies accounted for 12.5 percent of China’s overall engagement in 2020 and almost 48 percent in the first half of 2026.

Taken together, investment and construction contracts point to a powerful revival of the Belt and Road Initiative. Egypt is emerging as a central point in that renewed effort, while Xi’s visit gives the relationship added political weight.

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Egypt has a unique location, connecting the Arab world with the African continent.