Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Middle Eastern countries to develop a new regional security architecture.
He made the remarks during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday. Xi said regional countries should strengthen good-neighborly relations and take greater responsibility for their own security.
Xi said the people of the Middle East should remain masters of their own affairs. He also called for opposition to external interference in regional matters.
The Chinese president urged countries to reject what he described as bullying, unilateralism and the use of force in the region.
Xi Presents Four-Point Security Proposal
Xi presented a four-point proposal for creating a new security architecture in the Middle East.
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First, he called for stronger internal drivers for regional security. He said Middle Eastern countries should increase dialogue and cooperation on peace and security.
Second, Xi urged countries to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach. He said the region’s conflicts and security problems remain closely connected.
Third, he called for stronger economic and development foundations. According to Xi, lasting peace and stability depend on development.
Fourth, he urged greater international coordination. He said the UN Charter and international law should guide efforts to address regional issues.
Palestinian Issue Should Not Be Ignored
Xi also highlighted the Palestinian issue during his talks with Sisi.
He said the Palestinian question remains at the core of the wider Middle East issue. Therefore, it should not be overlooked or pushed aside.
The Chinese president also called for an effective United Nations role in regional affairs. He urged external powers to avoid double standards and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern countries.
China Offers Support for Regional Security
Xi said China is ready to work with Middle Eastern countries to protect international shipping routes.
He also called for greater development cooperation and closer regional economic links. In addition, he said countries should gradually build mutual trust and address the deeper causes of conflict.
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The call comes as tensions in the Middle East remain high. Recent US-Iran military exchanges have also affected security around the Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over international shipping and energy supplies. (Reuters)
China and Egypt Strengthen Strategic Ties
Xi’s visit to Egypt also focused on expanding bilateral cooperation.
China and Egypt marked 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Xi said the two countries have developed strong cooperation in areas including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, communications technology and manufacturing.
The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in green energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, the digital economy and modern agriculture. They signed more than 20 cooperation documents covering areas such as trade, technology, education and transportation.
Egypt also welcomed China’s role in regional and international affairs. Sisi said Cairo is ready to work with Beijing to reduce tensions, promote regional stability and explore a new security architecture for the Middle East.
Xi’s visit highlights China’s growing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East. It also comes at a time when regional countries are reassessing security arrangements amid renewed conflict and uncertainty.
