Xi Jinping urges Middle Eastern nations to build self-led security model

Xi Jinping has urged Middle Eastern nations to build a self-led security model, signalling a push to cut reliance on Washington following further US-Iran military clashes, although China’s president did not position Beijing as an alternative security guarantor.

Analysts said the meeting reflected Egypt’s efforts to strengthen relations with China while maintaining its ties with the US.

Beijing and Cairo aligned on Gaza, Red Sea security and Sudan, while China gave greater weight than it had previously to Egypt’s concerns over Nile water.

The meeting came days after the US launched fresh strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets following attacks on oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. The fighting raised fears of further disruption to oil shipments and pushed crude prices higher.