Viktor Orban on peace mission: Hungary's relationship with China under the magnifying glass

Viktor Orban on peace mission: Hungary's relationship with China under the magnifying glass

Hungary: An unexpected approach to China

Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban caused a stir again, this time with a surprising visit to China. The unexpected journey of the politician to the Asian country shows the existing close relationships between Budapest and Beijing.

Orban, who recently made headlines with a controversial visit to Moscow, was warmly welcomed by Chinese Vice Secretary of State Hua Chunying in Beijing. On Twitter he described the trip as "Peace Mission 3.0 #beijing" and announced talks with state and party leader Xi Jinping.

The visit of Orban in China follows Xi's European trip in May, where he also stopped in Hungary. The bilateral relationships between Budapest and Beijing have long been shaped by close cooperation.

Hungary is one of the few countries in the EU that consistently maintains good relationships with China, which often affects criticism in Brussels. These tight connections were recently underlined by Orban's participation in the Chinese infrastructure project "Neue Seidenstraße" and his visit to the forum in China.

The unexpected trip to China raises questions, especially in view of the latest geopolitical developments in the region. Orban seems to be a strive to deepen his country's political relationships with international partners and to position themselves as an actor on a global stage.

- Nag