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Voices of the contintent 2 9 2026 Dr Hassan Wagih

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Episode Overview

The episode of “Voices of the Continent” features a phone interview with Dr. Hassan Wagih, a professor of international negotiations, discussing Egypt–China relations and their implications for Africa and regional stability.

Main Arguments and Points

  • China views Egypt as a key strategic partner and a “gateway” to Africa

    • Dr. Wagih argues that Egypt’s geographic and diplomatic position makes it a crucial entry point for China into African and Arab contexts.
    • He connects the partnership to support for Africa’s development agenda (Agenda 2063) and long-standing historical ties between the two civilizations.

  • China–Egypt cooperation promotes “win-win” diplomacy and de-escalation

    • The guest highlights a framing based on mutual benefit, conflict de-escalation, and reducing risks of violence and war.
    • He presents the relationship as contributing to a safer global environment through cooperation rather than confrontation.

  • Security and stability in Africa and around key maritime regions

    • Asked about China’s military base in Djibouti, Dr. Wagih responds that its purpose is tied to enhancing each country’s strategic capacity and helping de-escalate tensions, especially in the Red Sea and other flashpoints.
    • He extends this reasoning to other African conflicts, emphasizing that stability in Africa supports global development.

  • Economic cooperation through the Suez Canal Economic Zone

    • The interview notes that China is described as a leading investor in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
    • Beyond manufacturing, the guest stresses technology transfer, know-how localization, and cooperation aligned with a “five-formula” approach attributed to Chinese–Egyptian leadership.
    • Referenced cooperation areas include AI innovation, financing, clean energy, trade, and people-to-people connectivity.

  • Jobs and unemployment reduction via development projects

    • Dr. Wagih argues that Chinese–Egyptian projects—covering agriculture, green energy, security, and trade—are expected to create employment opportunities.
    • He characterizes Africa as a “youth continent,” suggesting industrial and connectivity projects can absorb young labor and help reduce unemployment.

  • Role of Egyptian diplomatic style and regional cooperation

    • He describes Egyptian diplomacy as historically focused on cooperation across dimensions, including with African partners.
    • He suggests that the Egypt–China relationship strengthens collective collaboration and maximizes gains in line with win-win principles.

  • Support for “global governance” and a multipolar order

    • The guest links the partnership to efforts toward a more multipolar world and references China’s stance against colonialism and imperialism.
    • He also mentions Egypt and China working together in forums and coalitions such as BRICS, along with dialogue partnerships connected to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
    • He references Chinese support in international contexts, including the UN Security Council, and assistance related to reconstruction/recovery scenarios (citing examples such as Sudan, Libya, and Gaza).

  • Unconditional and non-politicized financing

    • The discussion emphasizes that Chinese funding is presented as unconditional and not politicized, contrasting it with approaches associated with colonial or imperial eras.

Presenters / Contributors

  • Dr. Hassan Wagih — Professor of International Negotiations, Al-Azhar University
  • Han Hud — Host / presenter (LTV International, “Voices of the Continent”)

Original video