Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban Visits China Amidst Controversy
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made an unexpected visit to China, as reported by Chinese state media earlier today. Orban's arrival in Beijing was marked by his post on social media platform X, where he shared a photo of his welcome by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying at the airport. State news agency Xinhua announced Orban's meeting with Chinese State and Party leader Xi Jinping at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. This visit comes on the heels of Orban's controversial trip to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban had framed the meeting with Putin, amidst Russia's conflict with Ukraine, as a 'peace mission'. The timing of Orban's visits has drawn criticism, especially considering Hungary's recent assumption of the rotating EU Council Presidency. Prior to these visits, Orban had also visited Ukraine. The recent meeting between China's President Xi Jinping and Putin in Astana during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit further highlights the geopolitical dynamics at play. At a bilateral meeting before the summit, Xi and Putin showcased a united front, emphasizing their shared objectives.
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