China's Xi promises 'billions' in investment during Egypt visit

China signed investment and aid deals worth billions of dollars with Egypt during a visit by President Xi Jinping on Thursday and expressed support for Cairo's efforts to maintain stability, which have included a tough crackdown on dissent.

Xi arrived in Egypt on Wednesday on the second leg of a Middle East tour that signals China's push for greater influence in a region that provides vital oil supplies.

The visit falls days ahead of the Jan. 25 anniversary of the 2011 uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule and is seen in Egypt as a vote of confidence in President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's administration, despite widespread criticism of its human rights record.

Xi praised Egypt's efforts to strengthen its economy during talks with Sisi, who has warned his critics not to hold protests to mark the anniversary on Monday of Mubarak's overthrow.