China and Hungary Forge "All-Weather" Partnership, Chinese President Says

In a recent declaration that underscores the deepening ties between China and Hungary, President Xi Jinping characterized the relationship between the two countries as an "all-weather" strategic partnership, following fruitful discussions with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The announcement came during Xi's visit to Budapest, marking the final leg of his first European tour in five years—a tour that has drawn significant attention from international analysts.

President Xi's European journey, which also included stops in France and Serbia, has been widely interpreted as an attempt to broaden China’s influence in Europe. During his time in France, Xi faced pressure from President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen to ensure a more balanced trade relationship with Europe and to leverage his influence over Russia concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, in Serbia, Xi celebrated the signing of a joint statement with President Aleksandar Vučić, heralding the creation of a “China-Serbia community with a shared future” and reinforcing his vision against perceived U.S. hegemony.

Golden voyage
"China and Hungary will embark on a golden voyage in bilateral relations," Xi stated, lauding Hungary as one of Beijing’s most pivotal strategic allies.

Under the leadership of the right-leaning Orbán, Hungary has emerged as a key trade and investment partner for China, diverging from other EU nations that seek to reduce their dependency on the world’s second-largest economy. The Hungarian Prime Minister's unconventional approaches have often been spotlighted, yet his alignment with China has only strengthened.

In Budapest, the Chinese leader expressed his expectation for Hungary to be a robust member of the EU, focusing on enhancing regional connections in Central and Eastern Europe. "We are willing to take this as a new starting point to push bilateral relations and pragmatic cooperation into a golden channel and move towards a higher level," Xi remarked.

The talks between Xi and Orbán culminated in the elevation of their countries' ties to an "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership." This ambitious linkage is set to expand into the nuclear industry and other significant infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Budapest-Belgrade railway. This $2.1 billion initiative, primarily funded by a Chinese loan, forms part of the expansive Belt and Road Initiative aimed at establishing global infrastructure and energy networks.

Strong economic ties
Following the bilateral meeting, Hungary and China concluded 18 agreements, enhancing their cooperation further, as announced by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. These include plans for a new railway line around Budapest to facilitate the transport of goods from Chinese factories in Eastern Hungary to Western European markets, and a high-speed railway link between central Budapest and its airport.

As the relationship marks 75 years of diplomatic ties, it continues to evolve beyond trade and investment. Earlier this year, China extended an offer to cooperate with Hungary on public security and law enforcement, further solidifying their alliance. Since Orbán's rise to power in 2010, and more markedly over the past decade, political warmth has paved the way for substantial Chinese investments in Hungary, notably in the sectors of battery and electric vehicle production.
This burgeoning partnership reflects a strategic alignment with profound implications for the European geopolitical landscape, as both nations commit to a future of intensified collaboration and mutual development.