Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in China, according to the prime minister’s press secretary, Bertalan Havasi. Havasi said that Orban was currently in China and would hold talks with President Xi Jinping while there. The update was conveyed to the public through MTI, Hungary’s state news agency, which emphasized the expected meetings and the broader diplomatic agenda accompanying the trip [citation: MTI].
Reports from the Hungarian portal 444.hu also noted Orban’s stay in China and outlined plans for a series of high-level discussions as part of a continuing effort to shape regional and international approaches to security and diplomacy [citation: 444.hu].
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó commented that, in the view of Hungarian officials, European leaders should stay prepared as Orban’s peacekeeping initiative is projected to persist into the coming week. The minister framed the mission as one aimed at contributing to stability in the region and facilitating dialogue on Ukraine’s conflict, signaling Budapest’s continued engagement in international mediation efforts [citation: Hungarian Foreign Office].
Szijjártó underscored that Hungarian authorities intend to press forward with meetings that support a resolution to the Ukrainian crisis. He indicated that additional talks would be scheduled in the near term to advance this objective, reflecting Hungary’s intention to play an active role in shaping a peaceful outcome through diplomatic channels [citation: Hungarian Foreign Office].
On July 5, Orban’s visit to Russia was documented with a photograph from Vnukovo airport, described by organizers as a continuation of a peace mission. The reaction in the European Union was cautious, with some member states criticizing Hungary’s approach while Germany urged Hungary to resign from its rotating presidency of the EU Council, arguing that the stance could blur EU cohesion on critical foreign policy questions [citation: EU Council communications].
Earlier remarks in Poland suggested that Orban’s Kremlin visit drew sharp pushback, with commentators noting that the Hungarian leader faced a wave of criticism and accusations from various quarters about the diplomatic choices tied to the peace process and Hungary’s role within EU policy debates. Observers highlighted tensions between national strategies for regional security and broader EU commitments, reminding audiences that every diplomatic move carries both potential leverage and political risk [citation: Polish press archives].
Across these developments, Budapest has reiterated its intent to pursue a policy that blends national interests with a constructive contribution to regional stability. The government has framed its peace efforts as a voluntary mandate to facilitate dialogue among warring parties while seeking pathways to de-escalation. Analysts note that the effectiveness of this approach depends on sustained engagement with international partners, careful messaging to domestic audiences, and the ability to align diverse EU priorities with Hungary’s strategic objectives [citation: expert analysis pieces].
As the diplomatic tour continues, observers in Central Europe and beyond will be watching closely to see how the sequence of visits—China, Russia, and regional capitals—affects Hungary’s standing among its European partners and how it might influence the broader conversation on security, mediation, and the path to resolving the Ukraine crisis. The unfolding diplomacy underscores Budapest’s willingness to act as a convening voice in European affairs, even as it navigates the sensitivities of alliance politics and the responsibilities that come with EU leadership duties [citation: regional briefings].
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