The relationship between the Nasser Military Academy—now renamed the Military Academy for Postgraduate and Strategic Studies—and Chinese military institutions is undergoing a qualitative transition as part of a strategy to "build future elites."
The Higher Nasser Military Academy in Egypt maintains close and continuous ties with China, based on the exchange of military expertise, training, and joint exercises within a comprehensive strategic partnership. These relations include high-level mutual visits, educational programs, and cooperation in the fields of air defense and the military industry. The goal is to leverage Chinese experience in the rapid development and modernization of military capabilities through the exchange of military delegations, lectures, and mutual visits by officials and strategic experts from Egypt and China to exchange views on security and defense issues. Chinese military experts describe this relationship as a partnership that has "stood the test of time."
Egypt as a strategic hub for Chinese expansion
In this context, Chinese military and security officials seek to strengthen their presence in a strategically important region like Egypt, linking it to Chinese initiatives under the Belt and Road Initiative by deepening Sino-Egyptian defense cooperation. This specific military and security partnership is causing concern in American and Israeli circles, as it may limit Washington's influence in the region.
This Chinese approach reflects Beijing's desire to strengthen its presence in the Arab world through Egypt, focusing on creating deep partnerships based on technical and military exchange. It involves the extensive utilization of Chinese military experience and the study of the "Chinese military model" for the development and modernization of the armed forces.
Targeting future military elites
According to Modern Diplomacy, China is specifically targeting future military leaders studying at the Nasser Military Academy, aiming to consolidate Chinese strategic concepts as part of a broader strategy to build long-term relationships with the Egyptian military leadership. Beijing seeks to enhance its military influence in Egypt by creating strong communication networks with army officers, Academy staff, and future elites, presenting Chinese military thought as a strategic alternative to American and Western hegemony.
These efforts include the supply of advanced defense systems, such as the HQ-9B, as well as joint military exercises, aimed at strengthening cooperation and reducing Egypt's traditional dependence on Western and American training and equipment.
Creating a ‘joint military elite’ in the Middle East
The most characteristic element of the ongoing cooperation between Chinese and Egyptian military elites during the 2025–2026 period is the pursuit by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the PLA National Defense University to shape and prepare a "joint military elite" in Egypt and the Middle East. Through the PLA National Defense University, China aims to establish long-term relationships with Egyptian and Arab officers of the rank of colonel and above.
Alongside the exchange of teaching staff, Chinese programs host professors from the Nasser Academy to discuss regional security issues, such as the war in Gaza, as an alternative approach to Western military thinking. Through these relationships, China is attempting to shape a new military doctrine based on digital transformation and information technology, moving away from the traditional dominance of American training.
Joint exercises and operational experience
China has already developed practical training and combat programs for Egyptian officers and soldiers through on-site and technical training within the framework of the Sino-Egyptian "Eagles of Civilization" exercises in April–May 2025. During the same period, the air forces of Egypt and China conducted their first joint exercise on Egyptian soil, which included combat missions and the planning of complex operations with multi-role fighters.
China seeks to offer a strategic alternative to future Egyptian military elites, presenting a military and ideological model different from that of the West and the United States, while simultaneously enhancing the diversification of Egypt's strategic partners.
Technology, industry, and military self-sufficiency
Particular emphasis is placed on academic and technological cooperation. In November 2024, the Egyptian Military Academy hosted a high-level Chinese delegation for discussions on human resource development, while in May 2025, China established three new military academies specializing in intelligence support and combined logistics.
A central goal of China's strategic cooperation with the Egyptian military elite is the building of communication networks through soft power, within the framework of the "Global Security Initiative" announced by President Xi Jinping, through joint curricula with Egyptian and Arab military academies.
The cooperation includes technology transfer, advanced training, and the localization of weapon systems production. These include Chinese drones such as the Wing Loong-1D, advanced radars, as well as negotiations for Type 039A Chinese submarines. At the same time, China is training Egyptian technicians and officers in the maintenance and operation of these systems, enhancing the operational readiness of the Egyptian armed forces.
The acceptance by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Chinese proposal for technology transfer and localization in Egypt further strengthens this dynamic. Chinese military agreements are not limited to sales but also include the transfer of know-how, such as the construction of the ASN-209 drone in Cairo, training in WS-10B engine maintenance, radar and software upgrades, as well as the introduction of J-10C fighters and PL-15 long-range missiles. All these initiatives bolster Egypt's war economy and "smart warfare" capabilities, ensuring greater operational autonomy and reducing dependence on American and Western military technology.
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