Xi Jinping visits Egypt as China widens Middle East influence

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt this week is being presented as a step to deepen economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. But the visit also carries wider significance, with China seeking to strengthen ties with one of America’s key allies in the Middle East as it expands its influence in a region that is changing quickly. Xi is also seeking to cast China as a stabilising force in the region and draw a contrast with the United States, which has long been militarily involved there. “China continues to build up its soft power reserves while the…