China's Global Satellite Ambitions

The satellites that China gave to Egypt are a component of its overall satellite program. It improves China’s position in Africa, boosts its Belt and Road Initiative, and increases its influence in the Middle East. China gains a foothold in emerging countries and strengthens geopolitical ties that go beyond space research by offering cutting-edge satellite technology. The geopolitical ramifications of these alliances will likely be seen on a worldwide basis as China continues to increase its footprint in the satellite business.

China has given Egypt the ability to assemble, integrate, and test (AIT) satellites increasing move that represents a critical turning point in their ongoing collaboration. Due to the delivery of two prototype satellites for the MisrSat II satellite project, Egypt will soon hold the distinction of becoming the first country in Africa to possess these cutting-edge capabilities. This action has prompted various inquiries concerning the reasons for and potential geopolitical ramifications of China’s kind gift of a satellite to Egypt. In order to comprehend the motivation for this tactical action, we will examine the historical setting, geopolitical entanglements, and China’s larger satellite technology objectives.

Historical Context

The agreement between China and Egypt in January 2019 — the third funding from China for a satellite project — set the stage for this collaboration by allocating $72 million to Egypt’s space program. Engineers from Egypt and China have been collaborating closely over the years to put this relationship into practice, with the imminent launch of the MisrSat II satellite serving as a significant turning point. The satellite, which is in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development, is expected to have a five-year lifespan and showcase high-resolution capabilities. China’s assistance goes beyond simply providing satellites; it also includes the creation of a comprehensive satellite assembly, integration, and test facility as well as collaborative training sessions for Egyptian aerospace professionals. Egypt will be the first country in Africa with complete satellite assembly and integration testing capabilities after the project is finished.

Geopolitical Entanglements

China’s choice to give Egypt satellites is not an isolated one; rather, it is part of a larger geopolitical agenda. Egypt is the third-largest beneficiary of US military aid worldwide, but it has also established itself as a significant participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Due to this, China has made significant investments in Egypt’s numerous industries, resulting in a broad relationship with a $1.7 billion market value. China has a wide range of interests in Egypt, including information technology, the provision of electricity, telecommunications, and transportation, in addition to satellite technology.

Furthermore, China’s growing involvement in the satellite sector fits with its goal to concentrate on developing nations that could have little bargaining or project-management clout. Countries like Egypt may depend more on Chinese digital infrastructure, such as satellite internet services, as a result of China’s expanding influence, which might further consolidate China’s grasp on these regions.

China has been steadily growing its satellite network both domestically and internationally. It is becoming a powerful participant in the space business with more than 700 operational satellites in orbit. Furthermore, China’s Beidou system, which competes with GPS operated by the US, has more than 30 active satellites. This underscores China’s strategic focus on satellite-based services and space operations.

China’s worldwide satellite strategy goes beyond Egypt to compete with projects like Elon Musk’s Starlink by offering international internet services. The “Guo Wang” project, which calls for the use of nearly 12,000 satellites, highlights China’s aspirations in this area. The installation of this extensive network intends to deter possible dominance by rival entities like Starlink in addition to securing a foothold in low orbit. In addition, China may be able to do surveillance and other operations using its satellites, expanding its geopolitical impact.

The satellites that China gave to Egypt are a component of its overall satellite . It improves China’s position in Africa, boosts its Belt and Road Initiative, and increases its influence in the Middle East. China gains a foothold in emerging countries and strengthens geopolitical ties that go beyond space research by offering cutting-edge satellite technology. The geopolitical ramifications of these alliances will likely be seen on a worldwide basis as China continues to increase its footprint in the satellite business.