China in Egypt: Converting Economic Engagement into Political Capital

Egypt occupies an important place in China’s foreign policy calculations,a position that is captured by the characterisation of the relationship by the two sides as a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership.’ Even as China achieves concrete diplomatic interests as well as promotes its Belt and Road Initiative through ties with Egypt, its influence over Cairo in the longer term might not be limited to just diplomatic, trade, or even, security realms. Chinese influence is likely to be more extensive; as their bilateral engagement rises, so also will the impact that China has on how Egypt’s political and economic conditions evolve.