China Offers Security Support to Hungary in Unprecedented Move
China's move is seen as a diplomatic victory within the European Union, especially given Hungary's growing affinity with Beijing.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) and Bank Of China Chairman Tian Guoli (L) attend the opening ceremony of the RMB clearing Center in Budapest, Hungary. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n an unusual diplomatic move, China has extended an offer to support Hungary in public security matters, marking a shift from the traditional focus on trade and investment. The proposition comes amidst Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s visit to Beijing, highlighting the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong expressed China’s intention to strengthen law enforcement and security ties with Hungary as they commemorate their 75th year of diplomatic relations. Wang emphasized a desire to make these efforts a “new highlight of bilateral relations,” particularly in combating terrorism and transnational crimes.
The discussions also encompass security and law enforcement capacity building under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to enhance global connectivity through trade and infrastructure projects. During his visit to Budapest, Wang met with Interior Minister Sandor Pinter, signing documents on law enforcement and security cooperation, although specific details were not disclosed.
A diplomatic victory within the European Union
This security assurance comes at a time when Hungary, a Russian ally, has been working to reduce its dependence on Western countries. Hungary has notably resisted pressure to endorse the expansion of NATO in Europe and is the only NATO state that has not ratified Sweden’s application to join the security bloc.
China’s move is seen as a diplomatic victory within the European Union, especially considering Hungary’s growing affinity towards Beijing. The Central European nation’s divergence from EU positions on China-related matters has already strained the bloc’s collective stance.
Hungary’s willingness to align itself with China has led to opposition or abstention from EU positions critical of China on issues such as human rights. Additionally, despite warnings from the European Commission, Hungary hosts Huawei Technologies’ largest logistics and manufacturing base outside China.
Hungary’s growing independence
The security pact with Hungary showcases China’s diplomatic influence in the European Union, creating complexities within the EU’s approach to its relationship with China, characterized by differences on human rights, trade imbalances, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move underscores Hungary’s growing independence in shaping its international relations.
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, China expressed its commitment to working with Hungary to implement key consensus reached by their leaders. The goals include maintaining high-level exchanges, deepening political mutual trust, strengthening people-to-people exchanges, expanding cooperation across diverse fields, and enhancing communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. Wang emphasized the intention to elevate law enforcement and security cooperation to a new highlight of bilateral relations.
During his visit to Hungary, Wang held meetings with Hungarian Minister of Interior Sandor Pinter, where they signed documents related to law enforcement and security cooperation, marking another step in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
Source: Reuters
