Xi Jinping visits Egypt in rare foreign travel flurry ahead of Donald Trump summit

Live updates

1. 13d ago

   Xi Jinping visits Egypt amid US sanctions threats and Trump summit prep

   Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Egypt as part of a rare series of foreign trips before a scheduled summit with Donald Trump. Egypt is deepening ties with Beijing and maintaining close relations with Russia despite receiving $1.3B in U.S. military aid. This visit occurs as the U.S. threatens sanctions against Egypt over its links to Iran. Beijing is using the trip to expand its influence in the Middle East and challenge American dominance in the region.

   Why it matters

   Egypt possesses the strongest military in Africa. The diplomatic shift occurs while the U.S. attempts to maintain leverage through military funding.

   What is confirmed

   • Xi Jinping is visiting Egypt.
   • The visit occurs before a summit with Donald Trump.
   • Beijing is expanding its influence in the Middle East.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The U.S. is threatening sanctions against Egypt over links to Iran.
   • Egypt receives $1.3B in U.S. military aid.
   • Egypt is keeping Russia close.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the upcoming summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump
   • Official confirmation of U.S. sanctions against Egypt
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Business Insider Africa — Despite $1.3B in U.S. military aid, Africa’s strongest military welcomes China's Xi as Egypt deepens ties with Beijing and keeps Russia close
   2. The Times of Israel — China’s Xi arrives in Egypt amid US sanctions threat over Iran links
   3. Financial Times — Xi Jinping visits Egypt in rare foreign travel flurry ahead of Donald Trump summit
   4. Reuters — Egypt welcomes Xi as Beijing expands influence in Middle East
   5. The New York Times — In Egypt, Xi Challenges America’s Influence in the Middle East
   confidence 90%