75 Years of Diplomatic Relations: “China not a Threat, but an Opportunity”

The broadening of relations and deepening of our cooperation with China is not a threat, but an opportunity, the successful exploitation of which will serve the development of both countries, stressed the Speaker of the National Assembly on Thursday at a reception in Budapest. The event took place on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the formation of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The politician said that it is in Hungary’s interest to be not only a bridge but also a link between East and West. He noted that if there is cooperation between East and West in the world, Hungary will also develop. However, when there is a confrontation or struggle between the West and the East, the country pays a heavy price, because we are in a geographic and political collision zone.

This link is reinforced by the Hungarian government’s strategy of opening up to the East,

announced in 2010, and by Hungary’s being the first European country to join the “Belt and Road Initiative” launched by China in 2013, he pointed out, noting that it fits well with the government’s ambitions.

The two countries have made good use of the opportunities for cooperation over the past 75 years, from 1949 to 1990, from 1990 to 2010 and from 2010 to the present, despite geographical distance, cultural differences and “the differences in our political set-up and ideology”, he underlined.

China has now become Hungary’s largest trading partner outside Europe,

the Speaker of the National Assembly stressed. He noted that Chinese investments in the automotive, electronics and financial sectors have contributed to Hungary’s economic growth and created jobs.

Fact

Last year, China made a significant contribution as the largest source of investment in Hungary, making the country the number one destination for Chinese investment in Europe. Among these, CATL’s HUF 3,000 billion (EUR 7.5 billion), Huayou Cobalt’s HUF 520 billion (EUR 131.6 million) and BYD’s multi-million euro investment in Szeged in southern Hungary stand out.

Cooperation between higher education and cultural institutions, as well as the mutual boost in tourism, have strengthened relations between the two countries, László Kövér emphasized. He also pointed out that there are many links between Hungarian and Chinese culture, such as the role of family and community, traditions and respect for the elderly. Both peoples are characterized by perseverance, hard work and the acquisition of knowledge, he added.

The politician said Europe can learn a lot from China. As an example, he highlighted “the art of politics based on perseverance and patience,” so that Europe can regain its rightful role in shaping the future of the world and responding to global challenges.

László Kövér. Photo: Hungary Today

He also argued that without China, there can be no balance of power in 21st century world politics that creates peace. At the same time, he stressed, a new world order based on cooperation, peace and security can only be created in a spirit of mutual respect. He noted that Hungarian-Chinese relations are based on this.

Chinese Ambassador Gong Tao also addressed the reception, praising the relationship between the two countries. “75 years ago, Hungary was one of the first countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with China. In retrospect, Sino-Hungarian relations have weathered the storms without changing their original spirit, and the traditional friendship has taken root in people’s hearts and set an example for a new type of international relationship,” he noted. The Chinese politician also underlined that “China respects the independent development path and domestic and foreign policies chosen by the Hungarian side according to its national capabilities, and supports the Hungarian side’s efforts to preserve national sovereignty and promote economic development.”

The ambassador also touched on the topic of international cooperation between the two countries, stating that it is becoming increasingly close. “In international affairs, China and Hungary have insisted on fairness and justice, stood on the right side of history, jointly raised their voices against confrontation and division, and called for enhanced interconnection,

thus making positive contributions to the maintenance of healthy and stable relations between China and Europe and the peaceful development of the world,”

he emphasized.

Chinese Ambassador, Gong Tao. Photo: Hungary Today

Earlier this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Budapest. The President and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had very successful negotiations, resulting in the signing of 18 agreements, underscoring the growing economic ties between China and Europe.

Hungary Plays Prominent Role at China Innovation Forum