Xi Urges Middle East to Reject External Interference

CAIRO: (News Desk) – Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for greater regional dialogue in the Middle East and urged countries in the region to oppose external interference during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo.

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, Xi stressed that the people of the Middle East should remain in control of their own affairs.

He said regional countries should strengthen dialogue on peace and security while working to resolve disputes through cooperation.

Xi is visiting Egypt for the first time in a decade as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic engagement across the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

China Seeks to Protect Regional Interests

China’s growing involvement comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to affect the region’s political and economic landscape.

The United States has pledged to increase economic pressure on Iran and has threatened broader sanctions that could affect Chinese financial institutions and other entities.

China is a major purchaser of Iranian oil and has indicated that it will protect its legitimate economic interests.

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During his talks with Sisi, Xi also offered China’s support for maintaining the security of international maritime routes in the region.

Focus on Maritime Security

Shipping through the Middle East has faced significant disruption since US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February triggered the current conflict.

Xi said China was prepared to cooperate with countries across the region to protect international shipping lanes, expand development cooperation and address conditions that contribute to conflict.

The Chinese president’s remarks underline Beijing’s broader effort to present itself as a supporter of regional stability while expanding its diplomatic and economic presence in the Middle East.

The talks with Sisi also highlight the growing importance of China-Egypt relations as Beijing seeks stronger partnerships with key regional powers.