Xi Jinping’s call for Mideast to build own security framework is a message to US: expert

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.

On his first visit to Egypt in a decade, Xi made the proposal during talks with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi at Cairo’s Ittihadiya Palace on Wednesday.

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.

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US launches more Iran strikes, hits oil tanker trying to break Hormuz blockade

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.