In the Year of the Dragon – Hungarian Chinese Cooperation at its Peak

 (Written by Dr. László Benedek FLAMM, Historian, foreign policy expert) 

 

Since the beginning of this year, a number of meetings took place in Budapest and Beijing, giving further impetus to the bilateral cooperation between Hungary and China. From May 8 to May 10,  Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, will visit Hungary. The highest-level event also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Hungarian-Chinese diplomatic relations. 

This year there will be at least 17 direct flights between the two countries per week. This is the highest figure in the Central Europe that Hungary shows. Direct flights can boost economic and trade cooperation, which is also associated with the fact that temporary visa-free travel between the two countries has been introduced. In relation to the media, the agreement, that recently signed by the Hungarian Media Services and Support Trust Fund (MTVA) and its Chinese partners, represents a repository of the “people-to-people connectivity” and collaborations in a broader sense. 

In 2020 and 2023, most investments came to Hungary from China, and it is partly due to this that the country became one of the world leaders in the technological revolution of the automotive industry. This year, the investments of Chinese companies settled in Hungary, exceeded 2 billion US dollars, and this brings the most economic benefits to Hungary. In addition, the investments created 25,000 jobs. Bilateral trade between China and Hungary exceeded 10 billion US dollars last year, and even higher figures are expected. These data also include that not only more Chinese companies are entering Hungary, but more and more Hungarian companies are also looking for business opportunities in China.

One of the main topics of the upcoming presidential talks will be the further development of economic cooperation. Official sources have confirmed that sixteen additional cooperation agreements will be signed; two others are still being negotiated between the parties. Of particular importance among the agreements is the one, that contains possible infrastructure developments in Hungary, including railway, road and energy projects which are related to the One Belt, One Road program. Political issues such as international peace and stability will also be discussed. 

During the Hungarian-Chinese diplomatic year, the rotating Hungarian Presidency of the European Union will also take place, starting on July 1, 2024.  For six months, important topics of the EU’s political agenda will be negotiated under the auspices of the rotating Hungarian Presidency. Budapest can therefore offer a pragmatic approach to the EU’s China policy – said diplomats. Indeed, the launch of new initiatives on the part of Hungary, based on its unique geographical conditions and other specificities, is amply justified. 

Hungary forms a bridge between West and East. The Eastern origin is reflected in the thinking and open attitude of Hungarians; their knowledge and creativity set the pace for the achievements and inventions of the past, which are still admired worldwide today, and inspires the next generations. Albert Szent-Györgyi, Nobel laureate in medicine, Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály in the field of music, Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Rubik’s cube and recently, Katalin Karikó and Ferenc Krausz, who received the 2023 Nobel Prize in medicine and physics, are just some of the biggest names. 

When it comes to gastronomy and culinary delights, Chinese consumers do not need to be introduced to the world-famous Hungarian foie gras, Tokaji aszú and mangalica, which are premium products on the Chinese market. Access to these Hungarian products, as well as to goose, duck, beef, rabbit meat, milk, wheat, live horse and feathers was made possible by agricultural import licenses issued by Beijing. Hungary has thus emerged as China’s trade partner, with a valid export license for the largest number of agricultural product groups among the Central and Eastern European countries. 

The Hungarian-Chinese diplomatic year continues. New projects will come into the spotlight and for further collaborations. China and Hungary currently have more than 40 town partnership cooperation, which boost tourism and generate cultural exchange programs. In this way, Chinese and Hungarians can get to know the regions of the two countries with cultural heritage and values ​​better. Thanks to more than 200 state scholarships, many Hungarian and Chinese university students, scientists, and artists visit each other’s countries every year, and tell others about their experiences. 

The expansion of media relations, travel opportunities, town partnerships and exchange programs, especially for youth bring people and cultures closer, and fill their relationships with even more content in practice and on the ground.

“There is no impossibility, only unwillingness” – says the Hungarian proverb. Cooperation with China has opportunities and mutual benefits. Achieving a win-win situation can take a long time and requires will, openness, understanding, and the creation of a friendly atmosphere.

Dr. László Benedek FLAMM, Historian, foreign policy expert