Hungarian PM makes surprise visit to China following trips to Russia, Ukraine

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made an unexpected visit to China on July 8, following recent trips to Russia and Ukraine to discuss potential peaceful resolutions for the conflict in Ukraine.

Orbán labeled his visit "Peace Mission 3.0" in a photo he posted on the X social media platform, showing him arriving in Beijing and being welcomed by Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying and other officials. He later had a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Orbán's unannounced visit followed similar trips to Moscow and Kyiv, where he suggested that Ukraine should consider an immediate cease-fire with Russia. His visit to Moscow faced criticism from Kyiv and European leaders.

"The number of countries that can talk to both warring sides is diminishing," Orbán stated. "Hungary is slowly becoming the only country in Europe that can speak to everyone."

Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the EU at the start of July. Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Viktor Orbán's visit to Moscow was in his capacity as a top representative of the European Council. However, several top European officials dismissed this notion, clarifying that Orbán had no mandate beyond discussing bilateral relations.

Orbán, who is known for his warm relations with Putin among EU leaders, has consistently blocked, delayed, or weakened EU initiatives to support Kyiv and impose sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Ukraine. He has long advocated for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine without specifying what that would mean for the country's territorial integrity or future security.

This stance has frustrated Hungary's EU and NATO allies, who view Russia's actions as a violation of international law and a threat to the security of Eastern European countries.