In a recent meeting with Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, Chinese President Xi Jinping took aim at the U.S., calling on world powers to assist Russia and Ukraine in resuming direct dialogue and negotiations.
What Happened: The meeting took place on Monday in Beijing, China, and was reported by state broadcaster CCTV, according to the Associated Press. Orbán, who had recently visited Russia and Ukraine to discuss the possibility of a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, commended China’s efforts towards peace and stability.
Orbán, in a Facebook post, highlighted the significance of the U.S., the European Union, and China in determining the end of the war. This visit to China was unannounced and followed his trips to Moscow and Kyiv, where he proposed a potential immediate cease-fire with Russia.
"The number of countries that can talk to both warring sides is diminishing," Orbán said. "Hungary is slowly becoming the only country in Europe that can speak to everyone."
Orbán’s visit to Moscow was met with criticism from Kyiv and European leaders. Despite this, he has continued to advocate for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, without specifying what this would mean for the country’s territorial integrity or future security.
Why It Matters: The call for renewed dialogue comes at a time when China and Russia are deepening their strategic partnership. Last week, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a new Eurasian security system at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, aiming to counter Western influence.
Orbán met with Xi just two months ago when he hosted the Chinese leader in Hungary. This visit was part of Xi’s three-country European tour, which also included stops in France and Serbia. Unlike Hungary and France, Serbia is not a member of the European Union or NATO.
Earlier in May, Xi and Putin pledged to strengthen China-Russia ties amid the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing their commitment to resolving the conflict. This partnership has been described by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as a “marriage of convenience”, reflecting their shared but differing worldviews.
Additionally, Russia’s recent defense pact with North Korea, signed during Putin’s visit to the country in June, has further complicated the geopolitical landscape. This defense agreement underscores the shifting alliances and heightened tensions reminiscent of the Cold War era.
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Photos courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Kaustubh Bagalkote
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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