Egyptian authorities are increasingly prioritizing military cooperation with China, according to a report Tuesday in the daily Al-Arab. The aim, the report said, is "to diversify sources of weaponry and reduce reliance on the US, which for decades was the Egyptian army's primary supplier, especially in light of the volatile and uncertain regional environment."
In this context, high-level meetings between Egyptian and Chinese officials have multiplied in recent months. Discussions have focused on the supply of advanced air defense systems, joint military training, and technological cooperation in cyberwarfare and surveillance.
Egyptian sources confirmed to Al-Arab that the talks with Beijing have gone beyond commercial interests, touching on military readiness and the development of self-defense capabilities. The paper reported that China has offered Egypt an advanced partnership for joint military production, as well as the transfer of cutting-edge technologies in air defense and drone systems.
Observers in Egypt noted that the country's political and military leadership is beginning to appreciate the importance of ending one-sided dependence on the US, particularly in light of Washington's technological and policy-based restrictions on military exports.
The report also noted that this move is "raising concerns in Israel," which is closely monitoring the evolving relationship between Cairo and Beijing. Meanwhile, Al-Arab cited sources in Washington who expressed dissatisfaction with Egypt's shift and warned that the US might reconsider certain aspects of its military aid. This, despite repeated assertions from Cairo that it is "not replacing one alliance with another, but seeking a balance that secures its national interests."
Still, Egyptian analysts believe Cairo's effort to diversify its arms suppliers reflects a clear desire for military autonomy and freedom from diplomatic pressure tied to its relations with Washington.
At the same time, Egypt is looking to build a broad network of security partnerships with additional countries, including Russia, France, Germany, and India. The goal, according to the report, is to establish deterrence in a "volatile region," amid ongoing wars and chaos in Gaza, Sudan, Libya, and the Red Sea.
