Budapest: China has urged Hungary to play an 'active role' in ensuring the steady development of China-EU relations, according to an official statement released Thursday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in Budapest Wednesday, held talks with Prime Minister Viktor Orban on bilateral ties, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
According to Anadolu Agency, Wang emphasized that the successful story of China-Hungary cooperation could set a precedent for Europe and the world. He expressed China's anticipation for Hungary to help promote the healthy development of China-EU relations. Commending Hungary's friendly policy toward Beijing, Wang described China as a reliable long-term strategic partner and expressed confidence that Budapest would continue to support China's core interests.
Wang assured Orban that China would reciprocate by supporting Hungary in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests. He pledged opposition to any external interference in Hungary's internal affairs, highlighting a mutual commitment to safeguarding national interests.
Orban, in response, praised China's development achievements and expressed openness to increased Chinese investment. He noted that Chinese companies are among Hungary's leading investors and highlighted the Budapest-Belgrade railway project as a catalyst for economic growth and improved living standards. Hungary's commitment to the one-China policy was also reaffirmed by Orban.
Earlier discussions also took place between Wang and his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto. China and Hungary have maintained diplomatic relations since 1949, with bilateral trade reaching $16.2 billion in 2024.
In a related development, China's Ministry of Commerce announced it would impose countervailing tariffs ranging from 7.4% to 11.7% on EU dairy products for five years, effective Friday. The decision followed an anti-subsidy investigation and aligns with Chinese laws and World Trade Organization rules. The ministry stated that EU dairy products were found to be subsidized, causing material injury to Chinese industries.