Egypt in China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative: Relations Cannot Surmount Realities

Abstract

China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI) is manifest in Egypt in seaport projects, high-speed rail and other transportation initiatives, power generation and transmission projects, the massive Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ), and manufacturing investments both within and outside the SCEZ as well as schemes to finance such projects. Nurturing the MSRI’s progress in Egypt are economic and political needs on the Egyptian side such as the need to obtain additional capital, develop infrastructure, and diversify political partners. Still, despite Egypt’s long-standing ties with China and China’s strong interest in Egypt, the results in terms of project completion and achievements nowhere near approach the grand headlines. Limited results on the ground to date have much to do with Egypt’s economic weaknesses, governance problems, and domestic instability which limit the resources Egypt can bring to bear on implementing the MSRI and deter China and Chinese firms from devoting more resources to Egypt.

The author would like to thank Xu Jing for aid in conforming this chapter to Palgrave style requirements and the editor for his guidance throughout the process.