Chinese President in Hungary, concludes last leg of EU tour

Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Hungary, his country's closest ally in the European Union, on Thursday, as part of his first European tour in five years.

This visit coincides with efforts from China and the EU to prevent a trade conflict, amid escalating tensions fueled by EU anti-subsidy investigations and what the EU perceives as concerns over espionage, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

The Chinese president first arrived in Hungary on Wednesday night following the conclusion of his diplomatic visit to Serbia, and attended an official dinner with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. On Thursday, Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok warmly welcomed his Chinese counterpart in the presidential palace of Budapest.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Budapest for a state visit to Hungary at the invitation of Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orban, May 8, 2024. Xi was warmly welcomed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his wife at Budapest Airport upon arrival. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Ahead of his arrival, Xi praised China and Hungary's long-standing friendship in an op-ed published by Hungary's Magyar Nemzet daily, saying both nations jointly challenged international difficulties and power politics.

 "Our bilateral relationship is at its best in history, and has embarked on a golden voyage... On the new journey of the new era, China looks forward to working closely with our Hungarian friends," he said.

The visit coincides with the 75-year mark of alliance and diplomatic relations tying China and Hungary together.

Both countries are reportedly expected to sign over 16 agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in several domains, including rail and road infrastructure, nuclear energy, and the automotive industry.