Xi Jinping’s Visit Strengthens China-Hungary Ties on 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
This year marks a significant milestone in global diplomacy—the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary. Established shortly after the Second World War, the enduring partnership between these two nations has evolved into a multifaceted relationship that influences broader European and global political landscapes.
Amid ongoing geopolitical shifts and heightened international tensions, the significance of this partnership is more pronounced than ever. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Hungary not only commemorates this historic milestone but also reinforces the deep and multifaceted ties between the two nations.
“It is the 75th anniversary year of the diplomatic relationship between Hungary and China, which really began to be enriched about 10 years ago with the launch of Hungary’s Eastern Opening Policy under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán,” noted Gladden Pappin, president of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs in Budapest. Orbán’s policy marked the start of heightened cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), attracting increased levels of Chinese investment and fostering closer exchanges on various levels.
Pappin highlighted pivotal projects underscoring this cooperation, particularly the Budapest-Belgrade railway. “Hungary was the first European country to join the Belt and Road Initiative. The principal project that Hungary is a part of is the Budapest-Belgrade railway. Its execution is already underway and is expected to be completed in the next couple of years,” he said. This railway is anticipated to have substantial economic impacts on the region, enhancing transportation links all the way to the Piraeus port in Greece and further integrating the Balkans’ infrastructure.
Marian Duris, a foreign policy analyst at the European Parliament in Brussels, emphasized the stability and depth of the Hungary-China relationship. “Hungary and China have their ties with its highs and lows. And with Mr. Orbán and his government, this relationship is quite stable,” he remarked. Duris views the significance of President Xi’s visit as a reaffirmation of the long-term, friendly relations between the two countries.
The economic implications of the Hungary-China partnership, especially under the BRI, are vast. Hungary aims to become a logistical and transportation hub in Central and Eastern Europe. Duris opined that the BRI is a substantial geostrategic and geopolitical project, not only for Hungary but for the entire Central European region. “Many countries see it as one of these opportunities, and I would say it’s an opportunity not only for Hungary but for Central Europe as well,” he said.
Pappin also pointed out the broader scope of Hungarian-Chinese economic cooperation, which spans several industries including electric mobility and battery manufacturing. “The Hungarian-Chinese economic cooperation operates on a number of different levels as well. This is particularly the case in electric mobility, battery manufacturing, and a number of different industries,” he stated. Such cooperation is likely to see further advancements following President Xi’s visit.
With recent Chinese investments in Hungary, particularly in sectors like electric vehicle manufacturing and battery production, there have been substantial developments over the past few years. “There’s a new manufacturing site that was started in Miskolc in 2021 by Nanjing Chervon Auto Precision Technology Co., making electric vehicle components. Another recent development was the selection of Szeged by BYD for the location of its first European electric vehicle manufacturing plant,” Pappin detailed.
As Europe navigates a delicate geopolitical landscape, the strategic partnership between China and Hungary stands as a testament to the enduring power and potential of diplomatic and economic cooperation. This historic visit is set to usher in the next chapter of this dynamic international relationship, underscoring the mutual benefits of shared development and cooperation on the global stage.
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Hungarian handshake: Xi's visit deepens links in Europe's heartland
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