Chinese President Xi Jinping's European tour reached its crescendo as he touched down in Hungary late Wednesday. This leg of his journey promises to seal numerous deals with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, further solidifying China's economic presence in the region. Xi's agenda includes face-to-face meetings with both Orbán and Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok during his two-night stay in Budapest. Talks are poised to revolve around the deepening of Chinese investments in Hungary, a country that has actively courted economic ties with Beijing, diverging from the more protective stance adopted by many European counterparts.
Hungary's unique positioning between the European Union and NATO and its willingness to engage with non-member state actors have set the stage for Xi's visit. Orbán, known for his nationalist and populist leanings, thrust Hungary into the spotlight as the first EU member to embrace Xi's Belt and Road Initiative. This strategic move reflects Hungary's balancing act between its EU obligations and its pursuit of diplomatic and trade relations with non-traditional partners.
Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's foreign minister, hailed Xi's visit as a historic milestone, underscoring China's status as the leading foreign investor in Hungary in 2023. The anticipated signing of 16 bilateral agreements during Xi's visit signals a further deepening of economic cooperation, potentially spanning infrastructure and energy sectors. Szijjártó's remarks emphasize the significance of expanding the Belt and Road Initiative within Hungary's borders, pointing to a future marked by increased collaboration.
Xi's arrival in Budapest follows a diplomatic stopover in Belgrade, Serbia, where he inked agreements aimed at forging a "shared future" with the Balkan nation. Like Hungary, Serbia's warming ties with China raise eyebrows among Western powers. Against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, Hungary's stance has drawn scrutiny. While officially condemning Russia's actions, Hungary's reluctance to endorse EU sanctions and its refusal to provide military support to Kyiv have strained its relations with Western allies.
Amid the diplomatic maneuvers, protests erupted in Budapest ahead of Xi's visit, echoing calls for Tibetan autonomy and highlighting concerns over China's human rights record. Tibor Hendrey, a voice among the demonstrators, stressed the economic benefits of engaging with China while cautioning against overlooking its human rights violations. His remarks underscore the delicate balance Hungary navigates in its pursuit of economic prosperity while upholding democratic principles.
As Xi and Orbán engage in discussions ranging from economic partnerships to geopolitical dynamics, the world watches closely. Hungary's alignment with China amidst broader geopolitical tensions underscores the complexity of modern diplomacy, where economic imperatives often clash with human rights considerations. In the heart of Europe, a delicate dance unfolds, shaping the contours of global power dynamics.
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