President Xi Jinping has called for renewed dialogue between Russia and Ukraine during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Beijing. Orban’s visit, which he has branded as a “peace mission,” follows similar trips to Russia and Ukraine last week to explore possibilities for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, now in its third year.
Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union this month, and Orban has embarked on a mission to promote peace, although his efforts lack the endorsement of other European nations. “China is a key power in creating the conditions for peace in the Russia-Ukraine war,” Orban wrote on social media platform X. “This is why I came to meet with President Xi in Beijing, just two months after his official visit to Budapest.”
Orban is known for maintaining warm relations with both Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin among European leaders. His visit to Moscow last week was met with condemnation from Ukraine and EU officials, who asserted that Orban was not representing the entire European bloc. Despite this, Orban proceeded with his visit to Beijing, referring to it as “Peace mission 3.0” in a post on X.
During their meeting, Xi emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and urged major powers to foster an environment conducive to dialogue. “Only when all major powers project positive energy rather than negative energy can a ceasefire occur,” Xi stated, according to state broadcaster CCTV. “It is in the interests of all parties to seek a political solution through an early ceasefire.”
Orban praised China as a stabilizing force amid global turbulence and commended its “constructive and important” peace initiatives, including a six-point peace plan issued jointly with Brazil in May. “Hungary values China’s role in promoting peace and stability,” Orban said.
China maintains that it is neutral in the conflict, but it has shown support for Moscow through frequent state visits, increased trade, and joint military drills. Xi’s call for dialogue underscores China’s strategic positioning as a mediator in the conflict, despite its close ties with Russia.
The meeting between Xi and Orban highlights the ongoing geopolitical maneuvering as world powers seek to influence the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Orban’s efforts, although controversial, reflect Hungary’s active role in seeking a diplomatic resolution, while China’s involvement points to its broader ambitions in global peacekeeping and conflict resolution.