Egypt Seeks Chinese Defense Tech, Manufacturing Base in Cairo

In July 2025, Cairo witnessed the appointment of Colonel Wu Qian, the former spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, as the new defense attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, reflecting the strategic importance Beijing attaches to this matter. Chinese military, security, and defense reports indicate that these relations with Egypt and its Ministry of Defense have transcended mere arms deals, evolving into a “comprehensive strategic partnership” aimed at enhancing the tactical and technical capabilities of both the Egyptian and Chinese militaries.

Furthermore, official military websites affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Defense and the People’s Liberation Army highlighted joint Egyptian-Chinese military manufacturing operations and Egyptian President “Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s desire to localize and transfer Chinese military technology”, as well as to establish a manufacturing base for advanced defense systems in Cairo. Chinese sources expressed their welcome of President El-Sisi’s interest in localizing defense industries and transferring advanced Chinese military technology to Cairo. With China highlighting several memoranda of understanding between the “Arab Organization for Industrialization” (AOI) and Chinese military companies, such as NORINCO & Shadow Wings, for technology transfer and the localization of advanced Chinese defense systems manufacturing in Egypt, this coincided with a celebration by the Egyptian Air Force and the Chinese company “CATIC” in May 2025, marking the arrival of new Chinese fighter jets in Cairo, while local production of K-8 training aircraft continues in Egypt.