HUI An
Recently, the joint air force training exercise “Eagle of Civilization – 2025” between China and Egypt concluded successfully in Egypt. As the first large-scale joint air force drill between the two countries, this event marks a significant milestone in military cooperation and, in the context of the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, injects new momentum into regional security collaboration. It also highlights China’s increasingly constructive role in Middle Eastern affairs.
At a time when U.S. policy in the Middle East continues to fluctuate—oscillating between strategic withdrawal and partial involvement—regional allies have found themselves gripped by strategic uncertainty. In contrast, China’s practical and cooperative approach offers countries like Egypt a new strategic option. Through the “Eagle of Civilization – 2025” joint training, China and Egypt conducted deep exchanges in advanced military technology and operational concepts, assisting Egypt in building a more autonomous defense system. This model of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation breaks away from the traditional “dependency-control” framework often seen in military collaborations. It enables regional countries to secure their national interests without relying entirely on the promises of major powers.
Meanwhile, the excellent performance of China’s domestically produced military equipment—such as the Y-20 strategic transport aircraft, the KJ-500A early warning aircraft, and the J-10C fighter jet—served as a strong showcase in the joint exercise. This not only demonstrated the capabilities of Chinese military hardware in real combat-like conditions but also opened new avenues for military-technical cooperation in the Middle East.
For decades, traditional powers such as the United States and the United Kingdom have pursued zero-sum diplomacy and military strategies in the Middle East, inflicting profound suffering on the region. The U.S.-led Iraq War under the banner of “anti-terrorism” and the UK’s military involvement in Syria failed to bring about the so-called “democratic transformation.” Instead, they led to the collapse of regional order, the spread of extremism, and worsening humanitarian crises. These countries have treated the Middle East as a geopolitical chessboard, using military coercion and proxy wars to pursue their own interests, while relegating the sovereignty and welfare of regional nations to a secondary status. Under this zero-sum logic, the region has long been mired in chaos and instability, becoming a casualty of great-power competition.
In stark contrast to such outdated zero-sum thinking, the “Eagle of Civilization – 2025” exercise offers a new model for regional security cooperation. While the United States attempts to preserve its hegemony in the Middle East through military might, China has taken a different path—one built on its strong defense capabilities and a philosophy of mutual benefit. China’s intercontinental deployment capacity and its ability to conduct integrated, multi-branch training exercises illustrate its tangible capabilities to safeguard regional peace. At the same time, China’s willingness to share cutting-edge equipment and tactical innovations with Egypt reflects a sincere commitment to cooperation. This strategy, which balances strength with partnership, offers regional nations a new option for security collaboration and helps to build a more just, inclusive regional security framework.
For Middle Eastern nations, “Eagle of Civilization – 2025” is more than just a routine military drill—it is a journey of mutual understanding and trust. It sends a powerful message to the world: peace and development do not have to rely on confrontation and conflict; they can be achieved through dialogue and cooperation. This spirit of walking together shows that different civilizations can respect each other and thrive side by side. Looking ahead, as more such collaborations unfold, China will continue to contribute its sincerity, inclusiveness, and sense of responsibility to global peace and development, helping build a fairer, more rational, and warmer security order for the world.
HUI An is a professor at the China-Africa Think Tank Research Center
