Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on July 8, 2024, as part of his self-declared 'Peace Mission 3.0.' This visit follows Orban's controversial trips to Moscow and Kiev, where he discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Orban, who has faced criticism in the West for his pro-Russia stance, aims to engage China in creating conditions for peace.
Orban's meeting with Xi Jinping took place at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the discussions as covering 'matters of common interest.' This visit occurred just before the NATO summit in Washington, where US President Joe Biden is expected to discuss defense support for Ukraine and China's role in the conflict.
China, which claims neutrality in the Ukraine war despite its close ties with Russia, has called for a ceasefire without requiring Russian troop withdrawal. This stance has been criticized by Western leaders who see it as advantageous to Russia. Orban, who has long been an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, also advocates for a ceasefire rather than military support for Ukraine.
Orban's recent diplomatic activities have stirred controversy within the European Union, where he is seen as an outlier due to his close relations with the Kremlin. His visit to Moscow to meet Putin was the first by an EU leader since April 2022 and has been condemned by EU officials and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who emphasized that Orban does not represent the EU in these talks.
During his visit to Moscow, Orban and Putin discussed the Ukraine conflict, with Orban noting that the positions of the warring parties are 'far apart.' Putin reiterated his demand for Ukraine to cede territories claimed by Russia. Orban's stance contrasts sharply with that of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who insists on the full withdrawal of Russian troops as a precondition for peace.
Orban's diplomatic maneuvers come shortly after Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the EU Council. His actions have led to tensions within the EU, particularly as he canceled a scheduled visit by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, citing technical reasons. This move has been interpreted as a snub amidst the ongoing diplomatic friction.
Amidst these international engagements, Orban has also faced domestic challenges, including criticism from within Hungary and other EU member states. Despite this, he continues to position himself as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, leveraging his unique diplomatic channels with both Russia and China.
- Orban's visit to Beijing underscores the strategic partnership between Hungary and China. In May, Xi Jinping visited Hungary, where both leaders elevated their bilateral relations to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership for all time.' This partnership aims to strengthen ties between Beijing and Brussels, with Hungary playing a pivotal role.
- Orban's diplomatic efforts have been praised by some, including Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who expressed admiration for Orban's willingness to engage with both Kiev and Moscow. However, these efforts have also drawn significant criticism from EU officials, who stress that Orban's actions do not reflect the EU's official stance on the Ukraine conflict.
- The Hungarian Prime Minister's recent activities highlight the deep divisions within the EU regarding the Ukraine war. While some leaders advocate for continued military support for Ukraine, Orban's calls for a ceasefire and his direct engagement with Putin and Xi Jinping reveal a divergent approach that complicates the EU's unified response to the conflict.
