China widens its footprint in Egypt as Xi visits Cairo, from rails to fighter jets

Xi Jinping's Cairo visit expands China–Egypt ties beyond megaprojects to AI, advanced manufacturing and joint military drills, with billions invested in projects like the New Administrative Capital and the TEDA industrial zone. Egypt seeks more local production and greater access to Chinese markets in exchange for technology transfer, while defense ties grow through the Eagles of Civilisation air-force exercises, signaling a broader diversification of partnerships alongside longstanding Western security links.