Ukraine

PRC Offers to Deepen Security, Law-Enforcement With Hungary

FEB 19 2024·Updated FEB 22 2024

Story

Image credit: Jason Lee - Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images (May 13, 2017)

The 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.
US News & World Report
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."
Yahoo! News
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.
Novinite.com
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.
Guardian
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.
BNN
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.
The Economist

Sources Split

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

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.

XINHUA

Pro-establishment narrative

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.

The Diplomat