China – Hungary relations, new era in Europe
All-weather partnership
ANALYTICS 10 May 2024 - 14:55
Fuad Shahbazov |
On May 8, Chinese leader Xi Jinping landed in Budapest upon the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, marking the first time a Chinese head of state has visited Hungary in 20 years. Recently, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó emphasized the importance of investment and trade with the East for competitiveness and growth during a speech in Uzbekistan, noting the shifting economic landscape, with significant growth increasingly occurring in the East rather than the West, citing China as a prime example.
China and Hungary had upgraded their relationship to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era. During the visit, the two leaders signed 18 agreements with a focus on infrastructural projects. Despite the current diplomatic confrontation between China and Western countries, led by the United States (US), Hungary seeks to boost bilateral relations with Beijing by actively participating in the latter's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Back in 2003, Hungary was the first Central European country to initiate a rapprochement with China, following decades of low-profile relations. After his return to power in 2010, Prime Minister Orbán has not only maintained the previous socialist government’s pro-China policies but has also elevated the relationship to even higher levels, including launching the Eastern Opening Policy and signing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China in 2017.
During the joint press conference, Prime Minister Orban underscored the economic benefits of China's participation in Hungary's modernization efforts, considering it an honor and a great opportunity. He also reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring fair conditions for Chinese companies. The economic impact of this partnership is evident in the recent data, which shows that bilateral trade reached $12 billion last year, with $17 billion of Chinese investments currently underway in Hungary.
In recent years, Hungary's relations with regional partners within the EU have become more strained, particularly in light of the Russo–Ukraine war that unfolded in 2022. Hungary became one of the few countries criticizing and vetoing Western military aid for Ukraine, citing the necessity of pushing Kyiv to negotiate with Moscow. However, official Budapest's controversial statements and stance on the Ukrainian issue added more fuel to Hungary’s relations with neighboring countries.
Despite its growing economic ties with China, Hungary has been careful to balance its relations with the EU and China. While Hungary is keen on an economic partnership with China, it has also been cautious to ensure that its support for Chinese political interests does not adversely affect European economic interests. This nuanced approach is evident in China's willingness to support Hungary’s national development strategy by further integrating it into the BRI.
For example, in December 2023, Hungary announced that one of the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, China’s BYD, will open its first European EV production factory in the south of the country — an inroad that could upend the competitiveness of the continent’s auto industry. Hungary also hosts several Chinese EV battery plants and hopes to become a global hub of lithium-ion battery manufacturing. It has undertaken a railway project within the BRI framework to connect the country with the Chinese-controlled port of Piraeus in Greece as an entry point for Chinese goods to Central and Eastern Europe. Hence, three-quarters of investments in Hungary last year came from China.
As for China, relations with Hungary are an essential pillar of its rising economic influence in Europe while a source of concern for the EU and the US. However, at this stage, the EU prefers not to demonstrate an open discontent with Chinese influence in its backyard, instead maintaining a certain level of dialogue with Beijing. Given this approach, Beijing also attempts to capitalize on that and establish a strong footprint in Europe. Notably, Hungary provides a diplomatic win for China, showing its deep ties with an EU member state that will still roll out the red carpet for Chinese investment.
Caliber.Az
1
|
Uncertainty over Russian border guard withdrawal from Armenia Amid conflicting statements
18 May 2024 - 14:47
|
2
|
Giant meteor seen lighting up skies of Portugal
19 May 2024 - 13:11
|
3
|
Iranian president's helicopter makes hard landing on border with Azerbaijan
19 May 2024 - 17:25
|
4
|
Türkiye, Greece forge new geopolitical axis Amid historical rapprochement
20 May 2024 - 16:04
|
5
|
Baku's 8-0 victory Diplomacy of sovereignty
20 May 2024 - 17:53
|
New Covid variants stoke fears of a summer surge in cases
20 May 2024 - 23:00
Russia ready to assist Iran in helicopter crash investigation
20 May 2024 - 21:21
Azerbaijan, Georgia conduct inter-ministerial political consultations in Baku
20 May 2024 - 21:14
Iran’s Chief of Army Staff orders probe into Raesi helicopter crash
20 May 2024 - 21:06
Iranian President Raisi's funeral to be held on May 23
20 May 2024 - 21:02
Turkish president speaks with Iran’s interim president
Extends condolences over Raisi’s death20 May 2024 - 20:59
UN chief extends condolences to Iran over deaths of president, FM
20 May 2024 - 20:56
Azerbaijan, Latvia strengthen parliamentary ties, mull regional cooperation
PHOTO20 May 2024 - 20:41
Armenia launches construction of new road to Kirants
As part of border demarcation with Azerbaijan20 May 2024 - 20:33
Israel slams ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant for Gaza war crimes
20 May 2024 - 20:26
Armenian emigration driven by desire to avoid military service
PM says20 May 2024 - 20:11
WikiLeaks founder Assange wins right to appeal against extradition order to US
20 May 2024 - 19:59
Zangilan, Shayifli hydroelectric power plants set to produce clean energy
20 May 2024 - 19:48
Rafah exodus passes 810,000
UNRWA says20 May 2024 - 19:33
First stage of resettlement: 3,146 residents to return to Minjivan settlement
20 May 2024 - 19:26
Türkiye "neutralizes" 3 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq
20 May 2024 - 19:19
Will foreign troops save Ukraine?
Caliber.Az on YouTube20 May 2024 - 19:10
Erdogan: Türkiye eradicated tradition of coups
20 May 2024 - 19:04
Media tour of Zangilan HPP showcases Azerbaijan's renewable energy development
PHOTO20 May 2024 - 18:52
Azerbaijan, Belarus forge agro-industrial cooperation framework
Review by Caliber.Az20 May 2024 - 18:40
China sanctions Boeing, two US defence contractors for Taiwan arms sales
20 May 2024 - 18:28
Azerbaijan invites Israeli companies to invest in Karabakh
20 May 2024 - 18:15
Italy appoints new ambassador to Azerbaijan
20 May 2024 - 18:03
Baku's 8-0 victory
Diplomacy of sovereignty20 May 2024 - 17:53
Police detain revanchists near Armenian border village
20 May 2024 - 17:51
Azerbaijani minister, Latvian Parliament speaker discuss COP29 preparations
20 May 2024 - 17:39
Azerbaijan, Latvia strengthen pledge to enhance bilateral relations
20 May 2024 - 17:27
UK intel: Russia may bring back labour conscription
20 May 2024 - 17:16
Slovaks debate if Fico will seek vengeance after assassination attempt
Article by Financial Times20 May 2024 - 17:05
“Minsk proves its status as a reliable partner for Baku”
Belarus pundit on Caliber.Az20 May 2024 - 16:53
Top 10 countries importing Azerbaijani oil
20 May 2024 - 16:43
US reaches agreement with Niger to withdraw military forces by September 15
20 May 2024 - 16:41
Pacific civil society calls for UN intervention in New Caledonia crisis
20 May 2024 - 16:29
ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for Israeli and Hamas leaders
Including Netanyahu20 May 2024 - 16:17
Türkiye, Greece forge new geopolitical axis
Amid historical rapprochement20 May 2024 - 16:04
Baku hosts Azerbaijani-Tajik business forum
Documents signed / PHOTO20 May 2024 - 15:52
ANAMA clears 308.7 hectares of mines, unexploded ordnance
20 May 2024 - 15:40
Great Return to Jabrayil: Initial phase to relocate over 3,000 residents
20 May 2024 - 15:28
MFA: Baku reaffirms support for One China policy, rejects Taiwan independence
20 May 2024 - 15:27
Armenia's Justice Ministry denies validity of cadastral certificates issued to Kirants residents
20 May 2024 - 15:24