Amidst Rising Scepticism in Europe, Hungary's Unwavering Support to China offers a Diplomatic Blueprint for Beijing
In stark contrast to the growing scepticism towards China amongst European Union members, Hungarian diplomacy champions a distinctly different narrative. Instead of seeking to reduce the risks associated with the relationship with China, as most European officials do, Hungary's foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, insists that the cooperation between Hungary and China offers opportunities. This view is endorsed by Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, who suggests that the relationship between the two nations is at an all-time high.
At a time when China's foreign policy in Europe is under strain due to differences on various issues, Hungary's unwavering support for both China and Russia is noteworthy. Hungary supports China's stance that Western support for Ukraine merely aggravates the conflict, a perspective shared by Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban. Orban has even obstructed a substantial EU financial aid package to Ukraine.
Hungary's consistent affinity for China sets it apart from other Eastern European countries like Poland, who have cooled their relationships with China due to its support for Russia in the Ukrainian conflict and the unmet expectations of financial benefits from political alliances with China.
China values its friendship with Europe, particularly Hungary, due to the mutual benefits it offers. The EU is a crucial trade partner for China, and the bloc has the potential to alleviate the effects of America's rivalry with China by adopting a less security-centered approach. However, China has been alarmed by the increased cooperation between EU and America concerning China, despite disagreements within EU members over the extent of this cooperation.
Hungary's value to China lies in the similar worldviews of Orban and China's leader, Xi Jinping. Both leaders, albeit with different degrees of authoritarianism, disdain American power, foresee a Western decline, and appreciate Russia. Further, Orban's business associates stand to profit from transactions with authoritarian governments.
Hungary's strategic position enables it to serve China's foreign-policy interests. As a member of both the EU and NATO, Hungary holds veto power over foreign and security policy. It has exploited this power to water down or even block EU statements criticizing China. Hungary has also shown a willingness to defy NATO, evident in its recent support for Turkey in obstructing Sweden's accession.
Despite being one of the poorest countries in the EU with less than 10 million inhabitants, Hungary plays a disproportionately large role. This was highlighted when Wang Yi, during his first overseas tour as China's foreign-affairs chief, praised Hungary's China-friendly policy. Szijjarto expressed gratitude for China's essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the supply of Chinese-made vaccines, which Hungary used despite an EU consensus requiring prior EU approval.
Recent protests in Budapest and Debrecen regarding China-related issues raise questions about the durability of pro-China sentiments among Hungarians. A 2021 survey found that more than half of the respondents held negative views of China, a 15-point increase from 2019.
Despite these developments, Orban, who has been in power since 2010 and gained even more power following his victory in the 2022 general elections, remains a steadfast ally to China. Given Orban's political isolation in Europe and his unwavering support for China, Hungary will likely continue to be a valuable ally for China. China's options in Europe are dwindling, but studying its relationship with Hungary could provide valuable lessons for fostering positive relations with other European countries.
Hungary's consistent affinity for China sets it apart from other Eastern European countries like Poland, who have cooled their relationships with China due to its support for Russia in the Ukrainian conflict and the unmet expectations of financial benefits from political alliances with China.
China values its friendship with Europe, particularly Hungary, due to the mutual benefits it offers. The EU is a crucial trade partner for China, and the bloc has the potential to alleviate the effects of America's rivalry with China by adopting a less security-centered approach. However, China has been alarmed by the increased cooperation between EU and America concerning China, despite disagreements within EU members over the extent of this cooperation.
Hungary's value to China lies in the similar worldviews of Orban and China's leader, Xi Jinping. Both leaders, albeit with different degrees of authoritarianism, disdain American power, foresee a Western decline, and appreciate Russia. Further, Orban's business associates stand to profit from transactions with authoritarian governments.
Hungary's strategic position enables it to serve China's foreign-policy interests. As a member of both the EU and NATO, Hungary holds veto power over foreign and security policy. It has exploited this power to water down or even block EU statements criticizing China. Hungary has also shown a willingness to defy NATO, evident in its recent support for Turkey in obstructing Sweden's accession.
Despite being one of the poorest countries in the EU with less than 10 million inhabitants, Hungary plays a disproportionately large role. This was highlighted when Wang Yi, during his first overseas tour as China's foreign-affairs chief, praised Hungary's China-friendly policy. Szijjarto expressed gratitude for China's essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the supply of Chinese-made vaccines, which Hungary used despite an EU consensus requiring prior EU approval.
Recent protests in Budapest and Debrecen regarding China-related issues raise questions about the durability of pro-China sentiments among Hungarians. A 2021 survey found that more than half of the respondents held negative views of China, a 15-point increase from 2019.
Despite these developments, Orban, who has been in power since 2010 and gained even more power following his victory in the 2022 general elections, remains a steadfast ally to China. Given Orban's political isolation in Europe and his unwavering support for China, Hungary will likely continue to be a valuable ally for China. China's options in Europe are dwindling, but studying its relationship with Hungary could provide valuable lessons for fostering positive relations with other European countries.
