Does a previous visit to Egypt influence the eligibility of visa-free transit stay?

Actually, this whole story about the undesirable passport stamps is so exaggerated. Also, it is not at all true that you cannot apply and obtain a tourist visa with an Egyptian, Turkish or some other stamp in your passport. It simply cannot be written anywhere. It is true though that Chinese authorities state that they will ask some additional questions regarding those stamps if they find it necessary. The rejections of the visa applications because of the stamps are extremely rare. In reality, Chinese authorities use this detail to deny entry to those persons they would deny entry regardless of the stamps, but they use this convenient situation to justify their decision blaming the stamps.

In other words, you are perfectly allowed to travel to China with an Egyptian stamp (tourist visa in reality) and if you use 144 hour visa free transit in Beijing, you will be maybe, but just maybe, asked one or two, I would say formal questions, and after them you will be granted a permit and allowed to exit the airport. You should just tell them that it was a tourist visa, that you just enjoyed the heritage, the beaches (if you were visiting Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada) and that it was purely tourist visit. If asked about making friends in Egypt, you will deny that and you will also deny that you maybe have a relatives there. Also, you were not there because of the cultural exchange, education, religious or political reasons, of course. Just be relaxed, you will be fine :)

Thank you for your reply! That' good news, I was really bummed out when I thought I can't visit my friends for the next few years. I will just go ahead and apply for tourist visa then, as I already bought the direct flight and would have to cancel and re-book for the transit visa thing.