Egypt and China hold joint drill with advanced weapons systems, raising eyebrows in Israel

Duration: 4:56 665 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

The recent "Eagles of Civilization" military exercise marks a significant escalation in defense cooperation between Egypt and China, as Beijing has deployed its advanced J-16 fighter jets to Africa for the first time alongside Cairo's French-made Rafale aircraft. While Egyptian officials frame this collaboration as a routine measure to enhance training capabilities and strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed with Beijing, the move has drawn sharp attention from Washington. The United States views this deployment not merely as a standard drill but as a critical indicator that a long-standing US security partner is deepening its defense ties with China while simultaneously gaining valuable operational experience with Western weapon systems. Egyptian experts argue that such joint air force exercises are normal diplomatic and military practice, noting that Egypt has maintained strong relations with China since 1955 and regularly conducts similar drills with other nations without causing alarm. The Egyptian side emphasizes that these activities are purely defensive in nature, aimed at preparing the national army to handle future contingencies rather than threatening regional stability. Furthermore, officials assert that engaging with Chinese military technology will not negatively impact Egypt's existing relationships or access to Western defense supplies from countries like France, Germany, and the United States, underscoring their commitment to balancing diverse international partnerships without compromising ties with the West. Despite these assurances, concerns persist in Israel regarding the potential implications of Egypt acquiring advanced Chinese weaponry, particularly if they receive J-10C fighter jets equipped with long-range air-to-air missiles. Israeli media has previously highlighted these developments as serious red flags, fearing that such capabilities could alter the regional military balance. In response to these anxieties, Egyptian representatives point out that Israel's own air force is widely considered one of the most advanced in the Middle East and dismiss recent inflammatory rhetoric about an imminent war between the two nations as unofficial speculation rather than government policy. Ultimately, the exercise highlights a complex geopolitical reality where Egypt seeks to diversify its defense portfolio without alienating traditional allies, while China expands its global military footprint through strategic partnerships. The situation underscores the delicate dance of modern international relations, where nations like Egypt navigate multiple security architectures simultaneously. As tensions in the region evolve, both Cairo and Beijing appear focused on strengthening their bilateral bond through practical military cooperation, even as Western powers and Israel monitor the developments closely to assess potential shifts in the regional security landscape.

Read the full video transcript

Chinese fighter jets are training over Egypt in the second Eagles of Civilization exercise and this year's deployment is much more significant. China has sent its advanced J-16 fighters to Africa for the first time. Well, Egypt is flying French-made Rafales. Cairo says this is about training and military cooperation. But for Washington, it's another sign that a long-time US security partner is building deeper defense ties with Beijing and giving China valuable experience with Western weapon systems. Discuss more with joining Hussein Kamel Haridy, a former assistant to Egyptian Foreign Minister and the former director for the Department of Israeli Affairs at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Hussein, great to have you with us on i24 News today. Thank you. >> The pleasure is mine. Thank you, ma'am. >> Well, I have to say it is a great name, Eagles of Civilization. That certainly takes the headline here, but what does it mean in reality? What does this military partnership really bring to Egypt? >> Well, historically speaking, Egypt is the first Arab and Muslim country to have recognized diplomatically China back in 1955. And from that date onward, relations between Egypt and China has become stronger by the day and a couple of years ago, we signed a comprehensive strategic partnership partnership agreement with with China. In the military, as far as the military cooperation is concerned, the exercise between the two the two air forces is normal for from an Egyptian point of view. We we we hold such exercises regularly with other with other countries and we don't see any particular particular reason for concern or worries on the part of any other powers or countries as far as these exercises are concerned. >> Well, what about the Western concern? Washington watching all of this. Could closer military cooperation with Beijing eventually threaten Egypt's access to American weapons, at least in in the far future? >> Well, I I I I don't I I I I don't think that these exercises or our cooperation with China in the military field will impact negatively on on military technology of of of the West or on our cooperation with the West whether with the United States or with countries in the Western world like like France, like Germany in any way. Of course, we know we we we know we are fully aware of the concerns of the Western countries and of course we are we are not going to compromise our relations with these with these countries. >> Israel also has some concerns. Egyptian-Chinese military cooperation has previously been a source of concern with Israeli media reporting some serious red flags if Egypt gets the Chinese J-10C fighter jets that are equipped with these long-range air-to-air missiles. What would you say to those concerns being felt in Jerusalem? >> Well, I guess I understand that everyone not only me but everyone believes and realizes that the Israeli Air Force is one of the most advanced in the in the Middle East and I I don't think that our cooperation with the Chinese in in the Air Force would pose a threat. It's a defensive It's a defensive measure on the part of of Egypt and we are we are preparing the Egyptian army to meet any contingency in in in the future. As as far as Israel is concerned, some Israelis by the way have started talking about going to war with Egypt in 15 years from now. So when we when we see such when we see such statements, we don't know whether they are this is really serious or not and of course these are not these are not statements official statements by the Israeli government but anyhow, we we should be prepared to face any contingency in the future. >> Hussein Kamel Haweidi, I appreciate you sharing more insight into the Eagles of Civilization drill and what it actually means inside Egypt. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, madam.