Revealed: Washington’s biggest adversary likely to visit Budapest for talks with PM Orbán

PM Orbán Xi Jinping in Beijing chinese president chinese ambassador szijjártó china hungarian
Viktor Orbán and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: FB/Orbán
The intensifying rivalry between the US and China for global supremacy is reaching new heights, with both parties keen on rallying international support in what some are calling a modern-day “Cold War” era. However, PM Orbán and his administration beg to differ. Despite escalating tensions, Hungary aims to position itself as a mediator between these two superpowers. Hence, it comes as no surprise that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is anticipated to come for an official visit to Budapest this May, ahead of the EU and municipal elections.

PM Orbán’s vision: Hungary as a bridge between East and West

PM Orbán envisions Hungary as the pivotal link between Eastern and Western influences. He advocates for Budapest to maintain good relationships not only with the EU and the USA but also with the prominent powers forming the emerging “Eastern bloc,” including China, India and Russia.

In 2010, the Orbán cabinet announced the “Eastward Opening” initiative, aimed at exploring business prospects and fostering collaboration, such as in higher education, with Asian and African nations. Presently, the Hungarian government’s messaging consistently underscores the need for NATO and the EU to pursue peace and reconciliation in Ukraine, rather than endorsing Kyiv with financial aid and weaponry in its struggle against the Russian invasion. However, this stance is perceived by many in the West as pro-Russian.

PM Orbán has previously endorsed Donald Trump, with the two leaders meeting up in Florida in March. Despite Trump’s advocacy for more stringent anti-China policies, the pair maintains a strong collaborative dynamic. Trump regularly praises Orbán, and vice versa. Orbán pins his hopes on Trump’s reelection, believing it to be pivotal in normalising US-Hungarian relations. Nevertheless, how their “friendship” will work is a fair question, provided Trump enacts harsh anti-Beijing measures during his second presidency.

Trump Orbán
Trump and PM Orbán in Florida. Photo: FB/Orbán

Will President Xi make an appearance in Hungary?

According to Szabad Európa, Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit multiple European countries in May. Based on two sources of the news outlet, the President will come to Hungary following visits to France and Serbia.

Xi is scheduled to touch down in France on 5th May, followed by a subsequent trip to Belgrade two days later. Serbian President Vučić mentioned the visit in February without elaborating on an exact date.

Xi’s previous visit to Hungary occurred in 2009 when he held the position of Vice President of China. He was received by Hungarian President László Sólyom and PM Gordon Bajnai, during which they signed 15 bilateral agreements.

His most recent encounter with PM Orbán was in 2023 in Beijing, during which Xi affectionately referred to Orbán as his friend. He also hinted at commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary, suggesting that this milestone could elevate bilateral relations to the next level.

PM Orbán Xi Jinping in Beijing
PM Orbán in Beijing with Xi Jinping. Photo: FB/Orbán

Major Chinese projects advance slowly in Hungary

Two months later, in December, it was announced that Chinese electric car giant BYD would establish the world’s biggest manufacturing plant in Szeged, Southern Hungary.

Another Chinese mega-project in Hungary is the Belgrade-Budapest railway construction and renewal project, which started in 2014 with an initial completion deadline of 2017. However, progress has been sluggish, with relevant details shrouded in secrecy.

Railway Hungary Budapest-Belgrade
Belgrade-Budapest railway construction. Photo: FB

Nonetheless, Investigate Europe noted that the investment will only become profitable after 979 years. The 160-kilometres-long Hungary section will cost HUF 750 billion (EUR 2.5 billion), with 85% of that sum being a Chinese state loan to Hungary.

Read also:

  • Surprise Twist: Budapest-Belgrade railway set to finish ahead of schedule – Details in THIS article
  • New direct flight from Budapest to one of the world’s largest cities – Read more HERE

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