WhatsappEgypt and China launched the first military drills between their air forces in Egyptian airspace. The drill is called “Eagles of Civilization 2025.” This first of a kind military drill between Egypt and China seems to show closer ties between the two countries.
The exercise taking place from mid-April to early May “is the first joint training between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries, which is of great significance to promoting pragmatic cooperation and enhancing mutual trust and friendship between the two militaries,” the Chinese ministry of national defense said in a statement.
The spokesman for the Egyptian Army wrote the following their official Facebook page:” said that “A number of multi-role fighter aircraft of various models” are participating in the exercise and that the drill “aims to unify combat concepts between the two sides through a series of theoretical and practical lectures.”
“The training will also involve joint aerial sorties, planning exercises, and simulated air combat management operations to exchange expertise and enhance the skills of the participating forces,” he added, saying that the exercise “falls within the framework of strengthening military cooperation relations between the Egyptian and Chinese armed forces.”
With Egyptian relations already fraying with the Trump administration, the military drill with China is surely going to put them on ice. This is a significant development as President Trump has floated the idea that Egypt should take in Gazans. He has also hinted at cancelling Egypt’s foreign aid.
The real danger with Chinese involvement in Egypt is not direct war wit Israel tomorrow, but an Egyptian pivot to China, allowing China to set up shop in Egypt in order to influence shipping through the Suez Canal. If China attempting to take control of the Suez canal what will Trump do?
While Trump might not want any new wars, allowing China to influence international shipping, especially in the Middle East will have to be met with some sort of push back. Israeli forces may be busy right now, but Egypt’s constant infractions of the Camp David Accord and now their pivot to China may be what Trump needs to give Israel the green light to take the Sinai back - stranger things have happened.
