China-Africa Security Radar posted on 4 September 2026 an article titled "Eagles of Civilization 2026: Beyond the J-16 vs Rafale Dogfight."
The People's Liberation Army Air Force participated in the Eagles of Civilization joint air exercise with the Egyptian Air Force. For Beijing, the exercise is about building mutual trust, strengthening Sino-Egyptian friendship, expanding practical cooperation, and promoting regional peace. For Egypt, it is about exchanging expertise and developing operational skills.
Beijing is also recasting this exercise as evidence of China's emergence as a provider of integrated military capability, strategic autonomy, and security far beyond its borders.
