PRC Offers to Deepen Security, Law-Enforcement With Hungary
China has reportedly offered Hungary deeper law enforcement and security ties, including combating terrorism. This comes as the two nations honor 75 years of their diplomatic relationship....
Facts
- China has reportedly offered Hungary deeper law enforcement and security ties, including combating terrorism. This comes as the two nations honor 75 years of their diplomatic relationship.1
- Chinese Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Feb. 16 and hoped to strengthen their coordination in 'international and regional affairs.'2
- Wang signed law enforcement and security cooperation deals with Hungary's Interior Minister Sándor Pinter, although their details have not been made public yet, according to Chinese state media.3
- China's offer to Hungary — a NATO and EU member — is uncharacteristic and comes amid Budapest's growing discontent with the two major Western bodies.4
- Hungary was the first EU country to join China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, opening the doors for massive investments by Beijing in the central European nation.5
- Budapest has also warmed diplomatic relations with Moscow, exacerbating tensions within the EU. In 2023, Orban blocked a $540M EU financial aid package to Ukraine saying there was 'no chance' Kyiv would emerge victorious against Russia.6
Sources: 1US News & World Report, 2Yahoo News, 3Novinite.com, 4Guardian, 5BNN and 6Economist.
Narratives
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by XINHUA. Hungary and China are showing the world how a bilateral relationship based on trust and mutual respect can be beneficial to both the parties involved. China's offer now to further deepen their strategic ties indicates that the two nations' warming is gaining steam. Together, the leaders of the two nations are shaping a comprehensive partnership that will be a truly multi-polar model for the world to follow.
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Diplomat. Hungary's 'Eastern Opening' policy, which has led to its newfound love for China, could be leading the country towards disaster. This also endangers the EU by giving Beijing a dangerous foothold in Europe. Frequently criticized for his authoritarian tendencies, Orban has found a willing partner in China, while Beijing may be keen on using Hungary's key position in the EU to swing matters in a concerning geopolitical direction on the world stage.
