Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday, following a contentious visit to Moscow and a subsequent trip to Kyiv, which Orban described as part of a “peace mission.” The meeting, held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, focused on discussions related to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Talks Center on Ukraine Conflict
During the meeting, Xi Jinping and Viktor Orban engaged in “in-depth communication” about the conflict in Ukraine, according to a readout from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. This visit by Orban comes just one day before the start of a NATO summit in Washington, where US President Joe Biden will host leaders from the alliance, including Hungary. The summit aims to rally continued support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
Orban’s “Peace Mission” and Upcoming NATO Summit
Orban’s social media post referring to his trip as “Peace mission 3.0” highlights his positioning as a mediator in the conflict, despite criticism from the West for his pro-Russia stance. Orban’s spokesperson confirmed that Washington would be his next destination after Beijing, signaling his intention to continue diplomatic efforts on the global stage.
China’s Role and Ceasefire Advocacy
China, a key ally of Russia, has positioned itself as a potential peace broker in the Ukraine conflict. Despite accusations from the West about Beijing’s support for Moscow’s war effort, China has maintained that it has not supplied weapons to either side and defended its control over dual-use exports. During the meeting, Xi reiterated China’s call for a ceasefire, a stance criticized in the West for potentially enabling Russia to consolidate its territorial gains without addressing the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Xi and Orban Align on Ukraine Policy
Xi Jinping and Viktor Orban appeared to align on their perspectives regarding the Ukraine conflict, with both advocating for a ceasefire rather than continued military support for Ukraine. Xi suggested that a collective positive effort from major powers is crucial for achieving a ceasefire, reflecting Beijing’s stance that the US and its allies are exacerbating the conflict by supplying weapons to Kyiv.
Diplomatic Implications
Orban’s visit to Beijing and his ongoing diplomatic efforts underscore the complex dynamics of international relations surrounding the Ukraine conflict. As NATO leaders prepare for their summit, the interactions between European and Chinese leaders highlight differing approaches to resolving the crisis and managing international support for Ukraine.