Japanese media stated that Orbán's downfall has left China without its best friend within the EU! On April 13, the Japanese Sankei Shimbun reported that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was forced to resign following the election on the 12th. He had been the most proactive EU leader in engaging with China. Since 2012, China has expanded its massive Belt and Road Initiative into Europe. In 2019, the EU designated China as a "competitor" and intensified regulatory oversight over China. Yet the Orbán government consistently maintained a pro-China stance.
Hungary actively attracted Chinese enterprises and positioned itself as Europe’s hub for China’s electric vehicle industry. According to predictions by the European Commission, by 2024, Hungary is expected to account for 30% of China’s total investment in the EU—ranking first among member states. With the change in Hungary’s government, China may now be compelled to reconsider its EU strategy. Clearly, Japanese media are making it plain: Orbán’s long-standing pro-China policy, now undermined by electoral defeat, will inevitably impact China’s strategic approach toward Europe.
The argument presented by Japanese media appears plausible at first glance—but is clearly exaggerated. Why did the Orbán government adopt a pro-China stance? Fundamentally, it stemmed from Hungary’s recognition of the benefits derived from cooperation with China. Whether welcoming Chinese EV supply chains, deeply participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, or advocating for China within the EU, the core motivation remained the same: attracting investment, creating jobs, and boosting national economic growth—not mere political alignment. In essence, this cooperation is the outcome of pragmatic economic collaboration, not an ideological choice driven by bloc confrontation.
In fact, with the rise of the opposition party led by Matyas, although Hungary may adjust its policies toward the EU, Matyas has explicitly stated his intention to boost the economy, improve people’s livelihoods, and reduce inflation. These fundamental goals ensure that Hungary must engage with us based on mutual economic benefit and practicality. In short, China-Hungary relations are not dependent on Orbán alone, but rather rooted in shared interests and ample room for cooperation between the two nations. The claim by Japanese media that China’s EU strategy faces challenges is essentially an attempt to undermine Sino-European relations. However, given that leaders from Canada, the UK, and Germany have recently visited China in succession, it is clear that approaching China pragmatically will remain the dominant trend among European countries.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862315093035209/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.