China boosts diplomatic ties with Hungary via long-term public security assistance offer
China intends to solidify its relations with Hungary, with a particular focus on law enforcement and security. This intention is timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Wang Xiaohong, during a meeting with Prime Minister Orban in Budapest, presented this proposal. According to "The Straits Times", the proposed cooperation includes counter-terrorism and international crime initiatives, which China perceives as a potentially noteworthy development in their bilateral relations.
3:01 AM EST, February 19, 2024
The cooperation propositions also advocated for maximizing potential in the realm of security and law enforcement under the "Belt and Road" initiative helmed by President Xi Jinping. This initiative is designed to globally integrate China through the enhancement of trade and infrastructural links.
In addition to his meeting with the Prime Minister, Minister Wang Xiaohong also had discussions with Interior Minister Sandor Pinter. The two officials endorsed documents pertaining to law enforcement and security cooperation. However, in-depth information regarding this has not yet been made public.
China's proposal of security cooperation comes at a crucial juncture, as Hungary, an ally of Russia, has been striving to lessen its reliance on Western countries over the last decade. Of late, Hungary has also stood against pressure concerning the approval of NATO's expansion within Europe. Notably, Hungary is the sole NATO member state that has not ratified Sweden's application to become part of this security bloc.
