A Promising Year Ahead for Hungarian-Chinese Relations
Hungarian-Chinese Diplomatic Relations Expected to Strengthen in 2024
The year 2023 has been an active year for Hungarian-Chinese relations, with several important developments. But 2024 promises to be even more intense, as it will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Levente Horváth, former Consul General in Shanghai and director of the Eurasia Center, revealed to Index that next year may see a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hungary, indicating a significant strengthening of alliances.
Hungarian-Chinese relations have grown since Hungary joined the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative in 2015, and in the past years, the relationship with China has become increasingly important in Hungarian government policy. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to China in October this year can be considered a major event that signifies the deepening collaboration between the two countries. According to Levente Horváth, this year’s events are just a prelude to what is expected to be an even greater boost to Hungarian-Chinese relations in 2024.
Horváth also addressed concerns about the increasing economic influence of China in Hungary, noting that the rise of Chinese economic influence is a natural development given the country’s status as one of the largest economies in the world. He emphasized that Hungary, being an EU Member State, holds an important position for China due to its geographic location and stable political and economic environment.
Despite criticisms from Western European politicians about Hungary’s growing ties with China, Horváth pointed out that the economic ties between Western European countries and China far surpass those between Central and Eastern European countries and China. However, he sees the potential for Hungary to become an important link between Eastern and Western companies, serving as a meeting point for both.
Looking ahead to 2024, Horváth highlighted the significance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, suggesting that it could serve as an opportunity for the Chinese Head of State to visit Budapest. He noted that in the past, Xi Jinping visited Hungary as vice-president in 2009 and has since visited neighboring countries.
As the year 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on the further developments in Hungarian-Chinese relations, with the potential for important diplomatic visits and heightened economic cooperation on the horizon.
