NewsHungary deepens infrastructure and nuclear ties with China amid new agreements

Hungary deepens infrastructure and nuclear ties with China amid new agreements

The leader of China, Xi Jinping, while traveling through Europe, met with the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban.

Images source: © East News | Xie Huanchi

9:18 AM EDT, May 10, 2024

The Hungarian government has established 18 bilateral agreements with China, focusing significantly on infrastructure projects. Some of these include Serbian collaboration, as conveyed by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.

These agreements came to fruition during a discussion between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Hungary strengthens ties with China: the outcomes

The Foreign Minister highlighted Hungary's unique position as the only European Union member engaged in the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), underlining a shared commitment to a series of joint projects.

Key projects include the construction of a high-speed railway connecting Budapest's airport to the city center alongside the V0 railway line. This line is designed to facilitate freight transport around Budapest, enhancing logistical efficiency.

Moreover, Serbia's participation in these initiatives underlines the regional significance of the projects. One notable project includes the development of an advanced border crossing between Hungary and Serbia, labeled the most modern, largest, safest, and fastest in Europe. Additionally, a pipeline project is set to enhance connectivity between the two nations.

During a conference with Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Orban they disclosed plans to broaden nuclear cooperation with China, supporting the Chinese peace proposal for Ukraine, which calls for ceasing hostilities and initiating negotiations. Although details regarding the nuclear cooperation remain vague, there is speculation about China's involvement in the expansion of Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant, a venture currently led by Russia's Rosatom.

China's strategic movements

With Hungary assuming the EU presidency shortly, China is optimistic about Hungary advocating for strengthened Beijing-EU relations.

Orban's administration has consistently resisted any EU measures that could disrupt economic ties between Europe and China, especially in the burgeoning electric vehicle industry, where China has made substantial investments in Hungary.

Xi Jinping's visit, extending until Friday, follows stops in France and Serbia, marking his first Hungarian visit since 2009, before ascending to China's leadership. This year commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, highlighting a longstanding partnership.