During a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a message to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, calling on Hungary to encourage the European Union (EU) to adopt a ‘rational and friendly view’ of China’s development and pursue a ‘more active and pragmatic China policy.’ Wang expressed China’s hope that Hungary would strengthen China-EU strategic communication, foster positive expectations for mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the sustained, stable, and healthy development of China-EU relations.
In response, Szijjarto affirmed Hungary’s opposition to ‘decoupling’ with China and welcomed increased investment from Beijing under the Belt and Road Initiative. He emphasized that Hungary has consistently viewed China as a partner and that treating the country as an enemy would only lead to missed opportunities. Szijjarto pledged to enhance China-EU relations through Hungary’s connections with both Beijing and Brussels.
Szijjarto’s visit to China highlights the increase in official exchanges between China and the EU this year, despite ongoing tensions between the two economic powers. Amidst the Ukraine war and heightened US-China rivalry, some EU countries have taken steps against China citing national security concerns.
Under Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s leadership, Hungary has been characterized as a Beijing and Moscow-friendly member of the EU. This stance has led to scrutiny from the European Parliament, which has attempted to revoke Hungary’s upcoming presidency. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has frequently used its veto power to obstruct decisions related to punishing Russia or supporting Ukraine, such as the EU ban on Russian oil and the 50 billion euro special fund for Ukraine.
