During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary, he and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán signed a number of agreements to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries. Hungary has become an important foothold for Chinese investments within the European Union, with billions being invested in the country. Hungary is also positioning itself as a hub for EV battery manufacturing and is working on railway projects as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The strategic partnership agreement and 18 other agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, with discussions being initiated on projects such as a freight railway bypass of Budapest and a rail link to Budapest Ferihegy airport. Orbán emphasized the growing role of China in the world’s economy and shifting power dynamics, with three-quarters of investments in Hungary last year coming from China. He also mentioned plans to expand cooperation with China into the field of nuclear energy.
Despite Xi’s visit being a show of economic and diplomatic cooperation, there were concerns among Hungarian residents due to road closures and increased security. Some demonstrations took place, with groups of both supporters and critics of Xi gathering in various parts of Budapest. Chinese volunteers, claiming to be affiliated with the embassy, were seen in red baseball caps, attempting to prevent the display of Tibetan or Taiwanese flags during the visit, causing minor conflicts with activists.
The increasing ties between Hungary and China reflect not only economic partnerships but also diplomatic and cultural exchanges. Orbán’s nationalist populist leadership has led to a closer relationship with Beijing, even as Hungary remains part of the European Union. China’s investments in Hungary are seen as essential for both countries, with economic projects such as EV manufacturing and railway infrastructure playing a significant role in their cooperation.
While major investments were not announced at the news briefing, the agreements signed between Hungary and China indicate a deepening of their strategic partnership. As China expands its influence in Europe through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, Hungary’s role as a gateway between East and West becomes increasingly important. The visit by Xi Jinping to Hungary signifies the growing collaboration between the two countries in various sectors, from infrastructure projects to energy cooperation.
