Chinese Premier Li Qiang Returns to Beijing After Official Visit to Egypt

Chinese Premier Li Qiang returned to Beijing after an official visit to Egypt. He was seen off by the Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib and Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded his official visit to Egypt on July 2, 2025, following a two-day trip aimed at deepening economic ties and strategic coordination between Beijing and Cairo. The visit comes amidst strained relations between Egypt and the United States, with Egypt increasingly prioritizing partnerships with China and the Brics bloc of emerging economies to reduce its reliance on Washington [3].

Premier Li was welcomed at Cairo International Airport by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and senior government officials. The visit focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, and infrastructure. During his visit, Premier Li emphasized the importance of strategic coordination between China and Egypt, stating that the two countries should further strengthen their ties to safeguard their common interests [3].

One of the key outcomes of the visit is expected to be agreements aimed at expanding Chinese investments in Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). The SCZone has become a focal point for Chinese efforts in Egypt, housing 185 enterprises with a total investment of $3 billion. The recent groundbreaking of a $70 million glass production facility further highlights the zone’s success [3].

Premier Li's visit follows his participation in the 17th Brics Summit in Brazil. Egypt's engagement with the bloc has been growing after joining as a formal member in January 2024. Cairo’s role has allowed it to take part in initiatives addressing global trade and food security. Two senior Egyptian officials attended a Brics-led session on the global grain trade held by the UN, addressing systemic risks in the food supply chain [3].

The visit also underscores Egypt’s growing frustration with Israel’s policies in Gaza and its perception of US inaction. Egypt has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand to resettle Palestinians from Gaza into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, viewing it as a threat to its national security and a move that would undermine the Palestinian cause [3].

Beyond economic and military collaboration, Egypt and China have fostered strong cultural and technological ties. Chinese companies like Huawei have trained tens of thousands of Egyptians in information technology, and educational partnerships have introduced Chinese language courses in Egyptian schools and universities [3].

Premier Li’s visit comes as China’s role grows as a key economic partner for Egypt. Discussions between Chinese and Egyptian officials during the trip are expected to culminate in agreements aimed at expanding Chinese investments in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), a hub for trade and logistics [3].

References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/nvidia-ceo-plans-beijing-visit-ahead-of-new-ai-chip-launch-in-china--ft-4129064
[2] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L4N3T50FV:0-china-treads-a-fine-line-with-its-trade-warning/
[3] https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/07/09/chinese-premier-li-qiang-visits-egypt-to-deepen-ties-as-us-relations-sour/