China is moving beyond trade and investment relations, offering long-term strategic partner Hungary support in public security matters. This offer comes at a time when the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is facing challenges in its efforts to expand its network in Europe, making it particularly noteworthy. China’s Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, expressed his hope that his country would deepen legal and security ties with Hungary.[i]
During his visit to Budapest, Wang stated that he hopes these efforts will become “a new emphasis in bilateral relations” in areas such as counter-terrorism and partnerships against international crimes. It can be suggested that these efforts are part of China’s initiatives to develop security and law enforcement capacity within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect the world through trade and infrastructure. In this context, documents were signed between the two countries on legal and security cooperation.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has been reducing Hungary’s dependence on Western countries over the past decade, the country has shown resistance to endorsing NATO’s expansion in Europe. Hungary took a long time to approve Sweden’s application to join the security bloc. The security agreement with Hungary can be seen as a diplomatic gain for China within the European Union (EU), as the bloc assesses its relations with the world’s second-largest economy through issues such as trade balances and the Russia-Ukraine War. Hungary’s rapprochement with China stands out as a factor weakening solidarity within the EU.
Hungary does not share the EU’s critical approach to China. EU members, however, urge Hungary to align with the bloc on China. Despite this, Hungary welcomes investments from China. For instance, despite warnings from the European Commission, Hungary hosts Huawei Technologies’ (HWT.UL) largest logistics and manufacturing hub outside China.[ii]
China’s offer of security support to Hungary is significant in terms of diplomacy, strategy, and international relations. Deepening ties between China and Hungary could have repercussions at both regional and global levels. This situation can be analyzed from five different perspectives.
First, China’s security support to Hungary is another indication that it is on the path to becoming a superpower. This step can be seen as part of China’s effort to protect its investments within the Belt and Road Initiative.
China is competing with the United States (US) in the global power struggle. This is particularly important regarding the security ties established with countries within the EU and NATO, as these states are primarily associated with Western values and a Western-based international order. However, Hungary is historically exceptional within the Western bloc due to its separation from the Western idea.
Second, China’s security support to Hungary can also be related to Hungary’s quest to act more independently from the West. Hungary’s resistance to NATO expansion and its inclination to strengthen ties with Russia may make China’s support more significant. This situation could shift the balance within the EU and affect regional power dynamics. Nevertheless, China aims to strengthen its ties with Hungary to bolster its connections with the Western bloc.
Third, China’s security support to Hungary highlights the complexity of EU-China relations. Hungary’s stance against the EU’s policies towards China could challenge the principle of unity and solidarity within the EU. This situation may raise concerns about the consistency and effectiveness of the EU’s foreign policy. At the same time, the EU’s efforts to build its security system are important here, as Budapest’s bilateral security cooperation with China in response to this situation is noteworthy.
Fourth, China’s security support to Hungary may contribute to redefining the concepts of security and cooperation in the international community. Traditionally, security cooperation has been perceived as more Western-oriented. However, the West’s expansion of influence under the guise of security cooperation has begun to threaten the security of actors like Russia and China. Therefore, China’s support for countries like Hungary could offer a different perspective on the concept of security and create new dynamics in international relations.
Indeed, it seems that China is moving towards building a new security paradigm as an alternative to the West. China has already developed a serious alternative to the Western-based economic order with the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, Beijing promises the world a peaceful new order with its “Global Security and Development Initiative” vision.
Fifth, it is known that the West is trying to encircle China in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of security. This situation limits China’s maneuverability in the region. In response, it can be said that China is making new security moves in Europe.
In conclusion, China’s offer of security support to Hungary is a complex issue that could have various diplomatic, strategic, and international relations consequences. Understanding the full impact of this support requires a long-term process.
[i] “In Unusual Move, China Offers to Back Hungary in Security Matters”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/unusual-move-china-offers-back-hungary-security-matters-2024-02-19/, (Access Date: 19.02.2024).
[ii] “China and ‘Good Friend’ Hungary Shore up Policing and Security Ties”, South China Morning Post, https://www.reuters.com/world/unusual-move-china-offers-back-hungary-security-matters-2024-02-19/, (Access Date: 19.02.2024).
