China-Egypt joint drills a show of Beijing’s military reach

China is beginning to match its economic presence abroad with the military reach required to operate across it. The clearest evidence came from Egypt.

Chinese J-16 fighters flew there recently, supported by YU-20 tankers that refuelled them in the air. The Chinese jets are taking part in Egypt’s “Eagles of Civilisation” alongside Egyptian Rafales and MiG-29s.

This is the first time China has sent the jets to Africa, providing experience in moving a combat force across continents and operating...