Voice for CHOICE #37: Unpacking Hungary's Relationship with China with Szabolcs Panyi Voice for CHOICE (China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe)

In the past few years, Hungary has seen a surge in new investments from Chinese companies in the EV industry. Chinese battery and EV makers have been attracted by the favorable political climate and generous state support. Additionally, Hungary and China have been working towards closer collaboration in the areas of policing and security. During a recent visit by China's Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, the two countries signed a series of agreements aimed at improving cooperation in these areas. This will allow Chinese police to patrol alongside Hungarian police on Hungarian soil. As a result of these developments, Hungary is increasingly becoming a hub of Chinese influence in the region. In the past, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been accused of acting as a trojan horse for China within the EU, as he has opposed measures aimed at China. With Hungary's growing dependency on China, this trend is likely to continue.

This month’s guest

Szabolcs Panyi, Investigative Editor at the VSquare Project.

Show notes


Goulas: Tales of Spying, Smuggling, and Chinese Influence
Hungary Could Turn into China's Trojan Horse in Europe


The Fight Over Fudan: A Chinese University in Budapest Sparks Reckoning for Sino-Hungarian Relations