Sino-Egyptian industrial and infrastructure cooperation: Determinants and Outcomes

ABSTRACT

This policy brief traces the evolution of Sino-Egyptian relations from their roots in nationalism, religious expediency and anti-imperialism to Egypt’s current need for infrastructure and foreign investment on the one hand, and China’s expanding global reach through grand strategies, most notably the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), on the other. The current Sino-Egyptian synergy reflects the general Sino-African relationship that has been shaped by rapid economic growth and closer economic ties. Xi Jinping’s ascent to the Chinese presidency in 2013 and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s accession to the Egyptian presidency in 2014 have brought the two countries closer together.  The BRI  as become an essential expression of how relations between Egypt and China
have evolved from the largely ideological zeitgeist of the Cold War to a more pragmatic one, aimed at meeting Egypt’s need for economic and  infrastructure development on the one hand, and China’s desire to expand its sphere of influence and become a global economic and political player on the other.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Emmanuel Matambo is a CACS Research Fellow. He completed his PhD studies in  UKZN. His research areas include China, Africa-China relations and international relations theory.

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