Viktor Orban on China

Viktor Orbán has cultivated Hungary's relationship with China to become its closest ally within the European Union, representing the most divergent position among member states from the EU's general strategy towards Beijing. This alignment is underpinned by significant economic ties, with Hungary welcoming substantial Chinese investment, particularly in electric vehicle and battery production, and positioning itself as China's regional gateway to EU markets. In the technology sector, he has actively resisted pressure from Western allies by embracing Chinese firms like Huawei for critical infrastructure and 5G development.

This strategic cooperation extends beyond economics, as Hungary has deepened its partnership with China on security matters, hosting Chinese police presence and echoing Beijing’s talking points within NATO and the EU. The government actively promotes a pro-China narrative domestically and routinely obstructs EU efforts to counter Chinese influence, for instance, by blocking critical statements on Hong Kong and the Uyghurs. The Prime Minister has publicly expressed skepticism about the West’s global competition with China and reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to partnership, even refusing requests from US figures to decouple from Beijing.