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China-EU relations: Beijing promotes Hungary’s coming presidency as chance for ‘more pragmatic China policy’ in Europe
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi tells counterpart Peter Szijjarto in Beijing that Hungary is a ‘European country of unique influence’
- Under PM Orban, the country is seen as a Beijing and Moscow-friendly hard-right EU member, opposing decoupling and welcoming more Chinese investment
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China is pushing Hungary to promote a “rational and friendly view” and adopt a “more pragmatic China policy” by the European Union after it takes the rotating presidency of the bloc in July.
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The message was delivered by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi when meeting Peter Szijjarto, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in Beijing on Wednesday.
The meeting came ahead of a possible visit to the country that Chinese President Xi Jinping will reportedly make after visiting France and Serbia next month. Beijing has yet to confirm the trip.
It also comes amid souring relations after the EU accused China of overcapacity in green industries that might distort the market – a claim Beijing denies. The EU has also embarked on a de-risking drive that targets China’s supply chain and hi-tech industries.
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President Xi Jinping tells German chancellor to seek ‘common ground’ to strengthen ties
President Xi Jinping tells German chancellor to seek ‘common ground’ to strengthen ties
Wang called Hungary “a European country of unique influence that adopts an independent policy”. He said Beijing hoped Budapest would encourage the EU to take a “rational and friendly view of China’s development” and pursue a “more active and pragmatic China policy”.
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