Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Leader, Meets With Xi in China After Talks With Putin

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently made headlines when he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Orban’s visit to China comes at a time when Hungary is seeking to strengthen its ties with major global powers, particularly in light of growing tensions between the West and Russia.

Orban, who has been criticized for his authoritarian leadership style and close ties to Putin, has been looking to diversify Hungary’s foreign policy and reduce its dependence on the European Union. In recent years, Hungary has signed several agreements with China, including a controversial deal to build a new campus for Fudan University in Budapest, which has sparked protests from students and opposition politicians.

During his meeting with Xi, Orban discussed a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, and the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s massive infrastructure project aimed at connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Orban praised China’s economic growth and expressed his desire to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting with Xi comes on the heels of Orban’s meeting with Putin in Moscow, where the two leaders discussed energy cooperation, defense, and regional security issues. Hungary has been a vocal supporter of Russia’s controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which has faced opposition from the United States and several European countries.

Orban’s visits to China and Russia have raised concerns among Western leaders, who fear that Hungary’s growing ties with these authoritarian regimes could undermine European unity and weaken NATO’s position in the region. However, Orban has defended his foreign policy choices, arguing that Hungary must look out for its own interests and pursue partnerships with countries that can offer economic and strategic benefits.

Despite the criticism, Orban’s meetings with Xi and Putin highlight Hungary’s growing importance on the global stage and its willingness to engage with a diverse range of partners. As Hungary continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, it remains to be seen how Orban’s foreign policy choices will impact the country’s relationship with its Western allies and its standing in the international community.