Hungary has extended a warm welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping, in stark contrast to the cautious reception seen elsewhere in the EU regarding China’s trade practices, global geopolitical stance, and human rights record. Up to 18 cooperation agreements are anticipated as part of the visit.
During the final leg of his first European tour in five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping received a ceremonial welcome from Hungary’s President Tamás Sulyok at Buda Castle in Budapest. Following this, he engaged in discussions with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Orbán, the EU’s longest-serving leader, has actively sought to strengthen relations with Beijing and has opposed EU resolutions critical of China’s human rights record.
Following their meeting, the Chinese state media agency Xinhua reported that China and Hungary had agreed to elevate their relationship to an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.” This designation has been used by China to describe its relations with countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Venezuela.
Orbán announced that Hungary and China were poised to broaden their collaboration across the entire spectrum of the nuclear industry. Departing significantly from the European mainstream, the Hungarian Prime Minister voiced his backing for China’s “peace plan” regarding Ukraine. This plan, outlined in 2023, has faced criticism from Western leaders for its failure to urge Russia to withdraw its forces or relinquish control over territory.
Xi’s arrival in Hungary occurred late on Wednesday, following visits to Serbia and France, where he was greeted at the airport by Orbán. Orbán warmly welcomed President Xi to Hungary, posting a picture of their handshake with the caption “Welcome to Hungary, President Xi.”
Bálazs Orbán, political director (no relation to Viktor Orbán), expressed to local media that Xi’s visit affirmed the effectiveness of Hungary’s connectivity strategy. In an article for Euronews, he emphasized the necessity for Europe to acknowledge the evolving geopolitical landscape and adopt a strategy of prudent connectivity. He expressed hope that rational approaches would soon prevail.
In 2019, the EU designated China as “a systemic rival,” and last year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for Europe to “de-risk” its relations with Beijing, including reducing dependency on Chinese supply chains.
Hungary, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties with Beijing, has opted to distance itself from the EU’s strategic approach.
Hungary, situated in central Europe, has attracted substantial Chinese investment and is home to Huawei’s largest base outside of China. Additionally, the Chinese car manufacturer BYD is set to inaugurate a factory for electric vehicles in Szeged, southern Hungary, marking its first production line for battery-powered cars in Europe. This presents a significant challenge for European companies within the heart of the EU.
Xi Jinping emphasized the strength of the Chinese-Hungarian relationship, stating through China’s state news agency Xinhua that it is currently “at its best in history.” He stressed the importance of adhering to win-win cooperation and expanding collaboration across various sectors within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, while also aligning their respective development strategies.
During Xi’s visit, Hungary’s foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, announced that 16-18 cooperation agreements would be signed, potentially including a significant infrastructure project within China’s expansive Belt and Road Initiative.
However, amidst these diplomatic proceedings, a Hungarian lawmaker from the opposition Momentum party reported an incident to the Associated Press. He stated that he and a colleague were approached by a group of men on Wednesday while trying to place EU flags on a Budapest bridge.
In Hungary, Márton Tompos recounted an encounter with men wearing red baseball caps who approached him to ensure that no flags or symbols relating to Tibet or Taiwan, contested territories claimed by China, would be displayed along the route of Xi’s motorcade.
This incident follows a cordial reception for Xi in Serbia, where President Aleksandar Vučić affirmed that “Taiwan is China.” Serbia has long supported China’s position on the self-governing island and receives Beijing’s backing for its claim to Kosovo.
During Xi’s visit to France, Ursula von der Leyen cautioned him that Europe would safeguard its industries against competition from China’s state-subsidized sectors, including electric cars, steel, solar, and wind technology. The European Commission has advocated for an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, known as the Global Gateway, aimed at financing infrastructure projects worldwide.
