Diplomacy - Hungarian Prime Minister Orban makes surprise visit to China
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban unexpectedly arrived in China for a visit, Chinese state media reported in the morning (local time). "Peace Mission 3.0 #Beijing", Orban wrote on social media X after his arrival in Beijing. He also published a photo showing him being greeted by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying at the airport.
According to China's official news agency Xinhua, Orban is scheduled to meet with Chinese State and Party Chief Xi Jinping for a talk.
Previous visit to Russia
Orban had traveled to Moscow for a controversial visit on Friday, where he was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban staged the meeting with Putin, whose country has been waging an armed conflict against Ukraine for more than two years, as a "peace mission". The trip also drew criticism because Hungary had just taken over the half-yearly EU Council Presidency. Before that, Orban had visited Ukraine.
Xi had also been in Europe in May on a Europe tour, and Budapest and Beijing have had good relations for a long time. Orban was one of the few European representatives and the only EU government head who participated in China's Forum on the "New Silk Road" in October. Hungary is also part of one of China's global investment projects, with which the People's Republic is implementing infrastructure projects worldwide and thus expanding its influence.
- Viktor Orban's visit to China was reported by Chinese state media outlet Xinhua, highlighting the diplomatic ties between Hungary and Beijing.
- Following his arrival in Beijing, Orban posted on social media, using the hashtag "#Beijing" and "Peace Mission 3.0", indicating his peaceful intentions.
- Hua Chunying, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, welcomed Orban at the airport, signifying China's hospitality towards Hungary's Prime Minister.
- Orban is set to meet with Chinese State and Party Chief Xi Jinping, as reported by Xinhua, further strengthening the diplomatic bond between the two nations.
- Orban's previous visit to Moscow raised controversy, as he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country is involved in an ongoing armed conflict against Ukraine.
- Despite the criticism, Orban had previously visited Ukraine, demonstrating Hungary's attempt to maintain relations with both Russian and Ukrainian authorities.
- Hungary continues to be a part of one of China's global investment projects, which extends China's influence through worldwide infrastructure development, as mentioned by Xinhua.
