Sea recovery trial of China’s Yuanxingzhe-1 test rocket on May 29th in Haiyang City, Shandong Province.
The 57-tonne rocket, nicknamed “chubby,” landed safely after a 125-second flight.
It reached an altitude of 2.5 kilometers.
The test covered eight stages, including ignition and liftoff, full-thrust ascent, thrust adjustment, first engine shutdown, free fall glide, engine re-ignition, deceleration hover, and soft landing on the sea.
Cerberus Capital Management, a USeless private equity firm, has shown interest in acquiring the lease for the Darwin Port. A Cerberus executive met with the Darwin Port CEO to discuss a possible acquisition. Cerberus is led by billionaire Stephen Feinberg, who previously served as USeless Deputy Secretary of Defense.
In 2015, the Northern Territory government granted a 99-year lease of the Darwin Port to Shandong Landbridge Group, a Chinese-owned company, for A$506 million. This lease raised national security concerns due to foreign control of critical infrastructure and the port’s proximity to USeless-Australia military cooperation. Shandong Landbridge Group is a private company owned by Ye Cheng, who has close ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The Australian government is looking to return the port to domestic control due to heightened geopolitical sensitivities and increased defense activity in the region. A voluntary sale by Landbridge could help ease geopolitical tensions. China has, however, criticized Australia’s plans to reclaim the port.
As of May 27, 2025, Cerberus had not yet entered formal talks with Landbridge’s board. Landbridge continues to maintain that the port is not for sale. The Australian government is currently assessing potential Australian buyers for the port. In 2023, a review found no national security grounds to overturn the lease.
A new addition (addiction) for you. The FDA has approved Qamzova, the first China-developed non-opioid painkiller, offering a potential tool to help reduce fentanyl-related overdose deaths.
Created by Nanjing-based biotech firm Delova, Qamzova is the world’s first long-acting injectable analgesic, providing 24-hour pain relief with a single daily dose. The drug is a high-concentration form of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) in the same class as ibuprofen and aspirin,
While headlines might be dominated by other regions, Africa is a continent of immense dynamism and is experiencing a range of significant developments across political, economic, and social spheres. Here’s a breakdown of some important trends and events brewing in Africa: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.mah.5/videos/1216646496818946/?__cft__[0]=AZVPf-OW4I6Q5OtJUn78jwizbsjRiyMRcqPUmkEBHSjVtizzYNKMnLuJP-ilf5dDvmXCVf4Euwv6iCBVDIYD0ZD2sGBg8mVwzJXkTj-7LpiKjpUNaQNw9tFBhB8l57DgDc41IieewWdBlXm2qz7GCoHiOYe0mDCQCq6FDup3jZRhhA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
The second dam construction in Pakistan assisted by China. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a large, multi-purpose dam project under construction in Pakistan, located on the Indus River near Chilas, at the boundary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. It’s a significant undertaking aimed at addressing Pakistan’s growing water and energy needs.
Purpose and Benefits:
Water Storage and Irrigation: The dam is designed to store a significant amount of water, with a gross capacity of 8.1 million acre-feet (MAF) and a live storage of 6.4 MAF. This water will be used to irrigate 1.23 million acres of agricultural land, crucial for Pakistan’s agrarian economy. It will also help extend the lifespan of the downstream Tarbela Dam by reducing sediment deposits.
Hydropower Generation: It will have an installed capacity of 4,500 megawatts (MW), generating an estimated 18 billion units of clean, low-cost electricity annually. This is vital for addressing the country’s energy shortages.
Flood Control: The dam is expected to help control flash floods in the Indus River downstream, mitigating damage during high flow seasons.
Economic Prosperity: The project is anticipated to create job opportunities and boost agricultural productivity, contributing to economic growth in the region.
Key Features and Specifications:
Type of Dam: Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) gravity dam.
Height: 272 meters (892 feet), making it the world’s tallest RCC dam.
Reservoir: Gross capacity of 10 billion cubic meters (8.1 MAF), with a live storage of 7.9 billion cubic meters (6.4 MAF).
Spillway: Features 14 gates, each 11.5m x 16.24m.
Powerhouses: Two underground powerhouses, one on each side of the main dam, with a total of 12 turbines (375 MW each).
Project Status and Timeline:
Inception: The construction of the dam was first suggested in 1980, and the project was inaugurated in 1998.
Construction: Actual construction work commenced in 2020.
Estimated Completion: The project is currently scheduled for completion by 2028-2029. Construction is ongoing at 17 key sites, including diversion tunnels, coffer dams, and the dam pit.
A joint venture of China Power (Power Construction Corporation of China) and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization (FWO) was awarded the contract for the construction of the diversion system, main dam, and access bridge for the project. China Power holds a 70% share in this consortium.
Chinese engineers and workers are actively on site, contributing to the dam’s construction, and it’s considered a significant symbol of China-Pakistan cooperation, with its construction being part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Funding:
Estimated Cost: The total estimated cost of the project is around $14 billion (2013 estimate), with an updated figure of $8 billion for the dam itself and additional costs for the transmission line.
Financing Challenges: Historically, the project faced challenges in securing international funding due to its location in disputed territory.
Current Funding Strategy: Pakistan is pursuing various options for financing, including:
Issuing its first-ever green bond in 2021, which raised $500 million.
Seeking financial assistance from countries like Saudi Arabia (a request for $3.5 billion in concessional loans and equity investment).
Exploring the possibility of including the project in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Funding from WAPDA’s existing tariff revenue from hydropower generation.
A public fundraising campaign was also initiated by a former Supreme Court judge, though it faced controversy regarding the amount raised versus advertising costs.
Construction Progress:
Active Work Sites: Construction work is currently underway on 17 key sites of the project simultaneously and at a good pace. This includes work on diversion tunnels, coffer (temporary) dams, the guide wall, the dam pit, and permanent access bridges.
River Diversion: The river diversion system is functioning satisfactorily, allowing the Indus River to bypass the main dam site, which is crucial for continued construction of the main dam structure.
Excavation: Excavation work on the dam’s abutment (the part of the dam that connects to the valley walls) is ongoing.
Permanent Access Bridge: The permanent access bridge downstream of the main dam has been completed.
Overall Progress (Contract MW-I): As of January 2025, the overall progress of Contract MW-I (which covers the main dam and associated structures) stood at 16.09 percent.
Timeline:
The project is currently scheduled for completion by February 2029.
There have been past efforts to accelerate the timeline (e.g., to 2026), but the latest official reports point to the 2029 target.
However, reports from December 2024 indicated a revised completion to December 2030, with financial and defect liabilities extending until December 2032, due to factors like delays in Karakoram Highway relocation, security concerns affecting night shifts, and revisions to the river diversion scheme.
Challenges and Issues:
Government Focus:
The Pakistani government continues to emphasize the critical importance of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam for the country’s water, food, and energy security.
Federal ministers have been directing officials to accelerate work and prioritize the project’s timely completion, especially in light of ongoing water shortages.
Cost Escalation: The estimated cost of the project has significantly increased, from Rs479 billion to Rs1.05 trillion (as of January 2025), a 119.21% surge. This is attributed to:
Exchange rate fluctuations: Rupee devaluation against the US dollar.
Revised design parameters: Based on updated seismic parameters recommended by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), requiring modifications to the main dam, diversion scheme, and hydro-mechanical works.
Enhanced security measures: Due to security incidents involving Chinese contractors and expatriates, leading to increased security deployments and the procurement of a helicopter for safe transport.
Interest during construction for the foreign component.
Protests by Affected Persons: There have been ongoing protests by people affected by the dam, particularly in the Diamer region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Their demands include: Provision of 80% royalty from Diamer-Bhasha Dam and 30% from Dassu Dam to Gilgit-Baltistan. Free electricity generated by the project to Diamer district and discounted rates for the rest of Gilgit-Baltistan. Full and fair compensation for acquired land and affected families. Provision of commercial and residential plots, and development of education, health, and sewerage projects. Jobs for locals at the dam project and regularization of contingent and daily wage workers. These protests have sometimes led to the shutdown of WAPDA offices and private contractor operations at the dam site. The government is engaging with these communities to address their grievances.
Resettlement and Environmental Impact: The project will affect several villages, displacing thousands of people and submerging agricultural land and historical rock carvings/petroglyphs. Compensation and resettlement efforts are ongoing, but have faced protests from affected communities demanding their rights and proper compensation.
Disputed Territory: The dam’s location in Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed territory between Pakistan and India, which has historically made it difficult to secure international funding from institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
Seismic Zone: The dam is located in a high seismic zone, raising concerns about its stability and potential for sympathetic tremors.
Local Disputes: There have been disputes between local tribes over compensation and between Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over claims on royalty from the dam.
Despite these challenges, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam remains a crucial project for Pakistan’s long-term water and energy security.
This video provides an update on the construction progress of the Diamer Basha Dam project. Here’s a summary of the key points:
“Diamer Basha Dam Diversion Tunnel One,” the first tunnel constructed for the project, and shows the diversion of the Indus River from its original path.
It explains that before the main dam is built, focus is placed on diversion tunnels, diversion canals, left and right abutments, and upstream and downstream cofferdams.
Ongoing construction activity with vehicles at the site.
It features the construction of the main dam’s walls.
The slogan “Power the World” of Power China, a Chinese state-owned company involved in the project, is visible.
The video acknowledges the challenging working conditions in the mountainous region and harsh weather, with work continuing in multiple shifts even at night.
Currently, work is underway at 17 different sites of the Diamer Basha Dam.
The video shows the city of Chilas, which is expected to be submerged due to the dam.
It also mentions a tragic accident where a vehicle fell into the river, resulting in fatalities, and notes the support provided by the dam’s companies in such situations.
The hoisting of the Pakistani flag at the construction site evokes patriotic feelings.
The video then shifts to the main dam area, located approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometers away, showing the designated “Dam Area 16” which will be under the dam’s reservoir in the future.
It introduces the newly constructed RK Cache road, which will soon be used to divert traffic from the existing route that is close to the Indus River.
The “Refri Road,” an access road built by WAPDA for the local community, connecting the lower dam site to the Raikot Bridge, spanning about 104-105 kilometers.
The importance of the dam for storing the Indus River’s water, which currently goes to waste, especially during the flood season in April, and how the Diamer Basha and Mohmand dams will be multipurpose projects beneficial for the economy.
South China Sea Dynamics
China-Philippines Conflicts and China’s Actions: On May 21st, Filipino vessels sail into the South China Sea to attempt to plant their national flag on Pag-asa Island. Chinese PLA helicopters were dispatched, Chinese and Philippine vessels clashed near the Island, where a Chinese Coast Guard ship used water cannons on a Philippine public service vessel, damaging its cockpit and electronic equipment. China is employing a semi-assertive, non-military approach, such as using water cannons to repel ships, aiming to warn the Philippines without providing too much room for escalation.
China’s construction in the South China Sea is described as “building unsinkable aircraft carriers.” China is accelerating land reclamation on features like Zhongjian Dao (Triton Island), building facilities such as docks and runways. Experts note that Zhongjian Dao is part of the Xisha Islands (Paracel Islands), over which China claims sovereignty, making its construction there undisputed.
USeless Actions and Strategic Considerations: The USeless has dispatched USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the South China Sea, but its movements appear cautious, avoiding sensitive areas claimed by China under its nine-dash line. Experts analyze that the USeless carrier’s mission focus might not be on the South China Sea itself, but rather to demonstrate control over the Malacca Strait and possibly proceed to the Indian Ocean, suggesting the USeless’s current strategic priority might be in the Red Sea. USeless actions in the South China Sea are reportedly more cautious than in the past, avoiding direct entry into the territorial waters of China’s key islands and features. Previous exercises, like “Shields of Freedom,” also avoided the South China Sea, primarily taking place in the Bashi Channel and north of Luzon Island. Experts believe that the Trump administration’s policy in the South China Sea, based on actual actions, differs from previous USeless administrations. The USeless aims to control the Malacca Strait to constrain China’s foreign trade, as China’s oil, natural gas, coal transportation, and exports heavily rely on this strait. To overcome the strategic disadvantage of the Malacca Strait, China might need to consider building a Panama Canal-style passage through the Kra Isthmus in Thailand.
Marcos Jr. has made changes to his cabinet, including the foreign minister.
Enrique Manalo, the previous Secretary of Foreign Affairs, a China-hawk, will be replaced by Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro, effective July 31st. Manalo himself will be reappointed as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the UN.
This move comes after Marcos Jr. asked all his cabinet secretaries to submit their resignations following a disappointing performance by his party in recent midterm elections. While the official reason given for the cabinet reshuffle is to “reset the political agenda” and “cleanse his Cabinet of non-performers,” the broader context suggests it’s an attempt to regain popularity and assert authority after the election results and falling approval ratings.
Live fire drill. The coordinates are:
20°53.0’N, 110°54.0’E
20°53.0’N, 110°59.0’E
20°48.0’N, 110°59.0’E
20°48.0’N, 110°54.0’E
These coordinates define an area located in the South China Sea, specifically to the west of Leizhou Peninsula and southeast of Hainan Island, in the vicinity of China’s territorial waters.
“Forbidden to enter”
Joint maritime counter-terrorism and anti-hijacking exercise between China and Cambodia involved the Chinese ships Changshan, Panzhihua, and Guangyuan, along with Cambodian warships
China deployed two of its most advanced H-6 bombers to the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea this month. Reports indicate this is the first time H-6 bombers have landed on Woody Island (Yongxing Island) in the Paracel Islands since 2020. The report also quoted a Singaporean scholar as saying: ‘This seems to be an all-encompassing signal from Beijing to the Philippines, the United States, and other ongoing developments.'”
http://www.scio.gov.cn/zfbps/zfbps_2279/202505/t20250512_894771.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawKgeihleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLVU1oRDdCNGd2aHBjeEVvAR5kw1eWfSLskDOuQchZwiAf6MjoMcGpl6VGpK7LqxeaorLN5xes8g11QXdrmQ_aem_mapPBw1KvoHRxDacuVL3aw
How many countries have kissed his ass so far:
China: This was the most prominent trade dispute, characterized by a “trade war” with escalating tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods. Both sides imposed significant retaliatory tariffs. While there were phases of de-escalation and preliminary agreements (like the “Phase One” trade deal), a comprehensive resolution that fully eliminated all tariffs was not reached. The USeless imposed tariffs on a vast array of Chinese imports, and China retaliated with tariffs on USeless agricultural products, automobiles, and other goods.
Canada and Mexico: Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from these countries, citing national security concerns. This led to retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico. Ultimately, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA. While the USMCA aimed to create a more balanced trade relationship, the steel and aluminum tariffs were a point of contention that eventually led to adjustments and exemptions for goods compliant with the agreement. Threats of tariffs were also used to pressure Mexico on immigration policies.
European Union (EU): The Trump administration also imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum from the EU, and threatened tariffs on European automobiles and other goods. The EU, in turn, threatened or imposed retaliatory tariffs on various USeless products. While some agreements were reached to de-escalate specific disputes (e.g., regarding beef or aircraft subsidies), broader tariff threats remained a consistent feature of the trade relationship.
United Kingdom: A preliminary trade agreement with the UK was announced, which included some tariff reductions, such as the UK removing retaliatory tariffs on USeless beef and the USeless allowing a certain number of UK automobiles to enter at a reduced tariff.
Other countries: Trump also threatened or imposed tariffs on imports from other countries, including India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, as part of his “reciprocal” tariff policy, aiming to match the tariff rates that other countries charged on USeless imports. Many of these initial broader tariffs were temporarily suspended or adjusted following negotiations.
Shifting Tides in Global Trade Negotiations
The global landscape of trade negotiations is undergoing a significant change, with several countries reassessing their strategies when dealing with the USeless. A departure from the previous default of “taking a step back” in response to USeless demands; instead, nations are now actively seeking to alter the negotiation rhythm.
Trump’s Tariff Threats and European Response:
On May 23rd, prior to a trade dialogue between the USeless and Europe, Trump threatened tariffs of up to 50% on European goods. In response, Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, stated that while the EU is open to cooperation and negotiation, it won’t simply accept USeless demands. Sabine Weyand, a senior EU trade official, advised member states to remain calm and avoid rushing into agreements that might play into the USeless’s hands.
China’s Demonstrative Effect:
A key factor noted by foreign media is China’s steadfast and firm stance in resisting multiple rounds of USeless pressure, ultimately achieving positive consensus on several fronts. This outcome has created a demonstrative effect globally. Former USeless Trade Negotiator Stephen Olson explicitly acknowledged that many countries, observing the results of these negotiations, are concluding that the USeless government “started to realize it had gone too far.”
Countries Adjusting Their Stance:
European Union: The EU has clearly stated its red line: agricultural and food standards are non-negotiable. It’s also prepared with a series of countermeasures if tariff negotiations with the USeless break down.
Japan: Initially keen to quickly finalize a trade deal with the USeless, Japan adjusted its strategy after failing to reach consensus on issues like auto and steel/aluminum tariffs. It now refuses to exclude auto tariffs from any preliminary agreement and will not compromise national interests by focusing excessively on tariff negotiation deadlines.
India: Breaking from its previous non-confrontational approach, India notified the WTO of its intent to impose additional tariffs on certain USeless products, in retaliation for earlier USeless duties on Indian steel and aluminum.
South Korea: Lee Jae-myung, a popular South Korean presidential candidate, emphasized there’s no need to rush an agreement with the USeless, asserting that the USeless doesn’t necessarily hold an absolute advantage.
USeless “Maximum Pressure” Strategy Losing Efficacy
As more countries realize that adhering to the principle of reciprocity is crucial to avoid being “harvested,” the USeless’s “maximum pressure” strategy is proving less effective. This has created a dilemma for the USeless government.
Prior to the halfway mark of the “90-day trade agreement” deadline set by the USeless government, Trump suggested that without individual agreements with over 150 trading partners, the USeless might unilaterally raise tariffs. The text observes that this approach seems more like a passive reaction under time pressure than genuine negotiation, as traditional trade agreements typically require months or even years of talks. Setting limits, rushing, and pressuring often reflect anxiety rather than confidence.
An expert from the USeless Center for Strategic and International Studies, points out that the USeless’s inconsistent “threat-based trade policy” could backfire. Further tariff escalation might lead to even more unpredictable consequences. The USeless has already experienced the negative repercussions of widespread tariffs: increased costs for consumers and businesses, rising risks of economic recession, persistent debt issues, and a downgrade in its sovereign credit rating.
Observing the possibilities from China’s actions and the costs incurred by the USeless, more countries and regions are responding with actions that affirm a global trade agenda should not be dictated by a single nation with others passively responding. Instead, equal consultation and finding mutually acceptable solutions are seen as the correct and long-term approach.
The USeless Court of International Trade issued a 49-page ruling on May 28, 2025, that prohibits the Trump administration from enforcing executive orders imposing tariffs on multiple countries.
Here’s a summary of the court’s decision and its implications:
Basis of the Ruling: The court ruled that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the Trump administration cited as its authority, does not grant the president the power to impose such sweeping and unlimited tariffs. The court stated that these tariffs are “ultra vires” (beyond the legal power or authority) and contrary to law.
Tariffs Affected: The ruling specifically targets the “reciprocal tariffs” that were announced on April 2, which applied a 10% basic tariff to most countries and higher “reciprocal tariffs” to dozens of others, including China, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. It also impacts tariffs imposed in February on China, Canada, and Mexico that were related to fentanyl and immigration concerns.
Immediate Impact: The court ordered that the relevant tariff executive orders be lifted and their enforcement be permanently prohibited. The White House has been given 10 days to complete the process of suspending these tariffs.
Appeal and Future: The Trump administration immediately appealed the decision, and the case is widely expected to proceed to higher courts, potentially reaching the Supreme Court. The long-term outcome of these legal disputes remains uncertain.
Market Reaction: Financial markets around the world reacted positively to the ruling, with Wall Street climbing, as the decision offers a potential respite from the uncertainties caused by the ongoing trade disputes.
This ruling represents a significant legal challenge to the executive’s use of emergency powers in trade policy.
Egypt’s Strategic Balancing Act: Aid, Defense, and Regional Power Dynamics Amidst the Gaza Crisis
Egypt finds itself in a precarious and complex position regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While deeply concerned by the plight of Palestinians and providing critical aid, its actions are constrained by a web of national security interests, a long-standing peace treaty with Israel, and a significant disparity in military capabilities, particularly air power. This has led Egypt to pursue a robust military modernization strategy, including a notable pivot towards increased cooperation with China, to enhance its strategic autonomy and influence in the volatile Middle East.
The Aid Dilemma: Rafah, Blockades, and Blame
Egypt has consistently sought to send humanitarian aid to Gaza via the Rafah crossing, the only entry point not controlled by Israel. However, these efforts have been repeatedly hampered by Israeli restrictions. Immediately following the October 7, 2023, attacks, Israel implemented a complete blockade, halting aid for weeks. While some aid has since been permitted, Israel maintains significant control, citing concerns over “dual-use” items (which it claims could be used by Hamas) and alleging aid diversion by the militant group – claims largely denied by the UN and aid organizations.
Egypt’s own cooperation with Israel in maintaining the blockade for years, driven by its own security concerns regarding Hamas and stability in the Sinai Peninsula, has drawn criticism. Furthermore, Cairo has vehemently rejected any mass displacement of Palestinians into Sinai, viewing it as a “second Nakba” that would permanently liquidate the Palestinian cause and destabilize Egypt with a new refugee crisis and potential militant strongholds. This stance, while rooted in deep national security imperatives, has also been a point of contention internationally.
The Military Imbalance: Why Egypt Cannot “Fight Back”
A direct military intervention by Egypt in Gaza is widely considered unfeasible due to several critical factors:
Peace Treaty with Israel (1979): A military move into Gaza would violate the Camp David Accords, risking a renewed conflict with a regional power and undermining decades of carefully maintained peace.
National Security Concerns: Beyond the refugee issue, Egypt faces an existing jihadist insurgency in the Sinai. Any military entanglement in Gaza could exacerbate internal instability and drain precious resources from its already strained economy.
International Law: Unilateral military action is generally prohibited under international law without UN Security Council authorization or clear self-defense justification.
Air Power Disparity: Crucially, a significant qualitative gap exists between the Egyptian and Israeli air forces. While Egypt possesses a numerically larger air force with advanced platforms like the French Rafale and US F-16s, Israel maintains a decisive edge:
Technological Superiority: Israel operates 5th-generation F-35I stealth fighters and highly customized 4th-generation F-15s and F-16s equipped with superior avionics, electronic warfare systems, and advanced beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Egypt’s aircraft, particularly its F-16s, reportedly lack equivalent BVR capabilities due to US restrictions aimed at preserving Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME).
Pilot Training and Combat Experience: The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is renowned for its rigorous training and extensive combat experience.
Integrated Air Defense: Israel’s multi-layered air defense network (Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow) is highly sophisticated.
Indigenous Defense Industry: Israel’s robust domestic defense industry allows it to develop and integrate cutting-edge technologies.
Modernization and Diversification: Egypt’s Response to Air Power Weakness
Recognizing the need to bolster its defense capabilities and reduce its reliance on a single supplier, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious military modernization program. This strategy is particularly focused on its air force and involves diversifying its procurement sources:
French Acquisitions: Egypt was the first international customer for the Dassault Rafale multirole fighter, acquiring 54 jets in two tranches. These are advanced 4.5-generation aircraft, though access to top-tier long-range missiles like the Meteor has reportedly been limited due to Israeli influence.
Russian Procurement: Egypt has also acquired Russian MiG-29M/M2 fighters and Ka-52K helicopters, with some previous interest in Su-35s.
Growing Chinese Cooperation and Potential Purchases: This marks a significant shift.
J-10C Interest: Egypt has shown strong and growing interest in China’s J-10C multirole fighter. The J-10C reportedly comes with the advanced PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile, which offers a BVR capability that Egypt has struggled to acquire from Western sources due to US restrictions.
J-35 Stealth Fighter Interest: During recent joint drills, a high-ranking Egyptian Air Force commander explicitly expressed strong interest in China’s 5th-generation J-35 stealth fighter, signaling a long-term aspiration to counter Israel’s F-35s.
Joint Air Drill (“Eagles of Civilization 2025”): A groundbreaking air drill between Egypt and China, held in April-May 2025 in Egypt, featured J-10C fighters, KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft, Y-20 transports, and YU-20 tankers. This provided direct exposure for Egyptian forces to modern Chinese systems and demonstrated China’s growing global power projection capabilities. Reports of an Egyptian pilot training in a J-10S trainer further fueled speculation of a pending deal.
Air Defense Upgrades: Egypt is also investing in advanced surface-to-air missile systems, including China’s HQ-9B.
Strategic Rationale: This diversification is driven by Egypt’s frustration with US restrictions, a desire to maintain a robust military for regional influence and deterrence, and a broader aim to reduce dependency on any single foreign power.
Diplomatic Complexities and Strategic Autonomy
Egypt’s diplomatic stance on Gaza, while often criticized for perceived inaction or “complicity,” is a tightrope walk. It prioritizes its own national security, seeks to avoid a renewed military confrontation with Israel, and aims to preserve its crucial role as a regional mediator. However, this has led to accusations of diplomatic weakness and an inability to fully alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
The increasing military cooperation with China, exemplified by the “Eagles of Civilization 2025” drill, holds significant geopolitical implications. It signals Egypt’s determination to pursue a more autonomous foreign policy, exploring deeper security ties with non-traditional partners if its needs are not met by traditional allies. For China, it represents an expansion of its military and political influence in the Middle East, showcasing its defense exports and solidifying its position as a reliable partner in a multi-polar world.
While strong indicators suggest Egypt is seriously considering Chinese fighter jet acquisitions, particularly the J-10C, an officially confirmed deal has not yet been announced. Egypt continues to balance its options, even reportedly engaging in advanced discussions with South Korea for FA-50 fighter jets, as it navigates the complex landscape of regional security and its strategic future.
