Former US president Donald Trump is signaling a renewed effort to secure a large trade agreement with China should he win re-election. This outlook emerged from a televised interview conducted with a Hungarian broadcaster, M1, and underscores a potential shift in global economic diplomacy if he takes office again.
In the interview, the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, suggested that Trump was very close to finalizing a substantial trade pact with China and would pursue that path anew if elected. Orban framed the discussion as part of a wider strategy to stabilize relations between the two nations, which have experienced periods of tension and renegotiation in recent years.
Orban argued that restoring normal relations between the United States and China would have broad ramifications for the global economy. He highlighted the prospect of collaboration among major industrial players, noting that Chinese, German, South Korean, and American capital working together within Hungary could stimulate growth, create jobs, and attract investment across the region. The Hungarian leader emphasized that such a partnership would benefit not just the two powers but the wider European and global markets by fostering supply chains, technology transfer, and increased trade flows.
Beyond trade, the discussion touched on potential implications for regional security and European stability. Orban suggested that a rebalanced U.S.-China relationship might influence strategies toward regional conflicts and energy security, framing it as a way to reduce volatility in international markets while promoting predictable policy environments for investors and manufacturers alike.
Earlier remarks from Hungarian officials indicated a broader interest in how Washington and Beijing coordinate on global challenges, including the situation in Ukraine and the role of European Union policies. While the tenor of those conversations varied, the underlying aim remained clear: to explore avenues where major powers could align on economic and strategic priorities that help sustain growth and stability across Europe and beyond. The dialogue underscored Hungary’s position as a crossroads for East-West interests and its willingness to engage with both sides to foster regional prosperity and resilience.