Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made a surprise visit to Beijing on July 8, 2024, for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Orbán explained that China is a key power in creating conditions for making peace between Russia and Ukraine as the reason for his visit. During their meeting, Xi Jinping stressed the importance of an early cease-fire and political settlement regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Orbán visited Moscow just three days prior to Beijing, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His trip to Moscow infuriated his European allies due to Hungary's stance on supporting Ukraine and other issues. The European Union views China as a systemic rival, and Orbán has long worked to curb criticism of China by the EU.
China's official summary of their meeting stated that they discussed ideas for ending the war in Ukraine. This visit provided both leaders with an opportunity to press the European Union to distance itself from Washington, as Hungary began its six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union this month.
Orbán has been a critic of Western power and has frequently clashed with his EU allies on various issues. His visit to China further highlights his efforts to strengthen ties with authoritarian leaders in defiance of the EU's foreign policy goals.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, leading to a protracted war that has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement. The international community, including the European Union and NATO, has condemned Russia's actions as a breach of international law and a threat to the security of countries in Eastern Europe.
Orbán's visit to China comes amid increasing tensions between China and Western powers over various issues such as human rights abuses, territorial claims, and trade disputes. The EU has been critical of China's actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
