As an EU member state, why has Hungary been able to remain steadfast in its approach toward China? In his latest book Hussar Cut: The Hungarian Strategy for Connectivity, Balazs Orban (Orban), the political director of Hungary’s Prime Minister, uses the «Hussar Cut» — a famous cavalry tactic fr om Hungarian history — as the central metaphor, implying a strategy of swift, decisive, and unexpected action. In an exclusive interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Ma Ruiqian, Orban shared his views on the role and importance of China in Hungary’s modern «Hussar Cut,» as well as his perspective on the gradually disintegrating Western-dominated international order.
GT: In your latest book, you propose implementing a modern version of the «Hussar Cut.» What role do you think China will play in Hungary’s «Hussar Cut»?
Orban: I think China plays a very important role in this strategy. Traditionally, China-Hungary relations have been very good. This year, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Currently, the relationship is at its highest point, described as an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era. This year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hungary, marking the first visit by a Chinese president in 20 years. Additionally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has visited China both this year and last year. I believe that the strong relationship and friendship between the two leaders provide a solid foundation and pillar for cooperation between our nations.
China can play a crucial role in modernizing Hungary’s economy. We have three major projects: the Budapest-Belgrade high-speed railway, which is the largest infrastructure project in the region, and two significant investments in the EV industry by BYD and CATL.
I also hope that the Hungarian economy and companies can find opportunities in the Chinese market, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, agriculture and logistics. Furthermore, Hungary can serve as a key player in helping to stabilize the complicated relationship between the EU and China.
GT: You have said that the Western-led international order is gradually unraveling. How do you view this change? What role can Hungary play in promoting «connectivity»?
Orban: My description is that the unipolar world order was framed by the principles of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is a way of governance, a way of life and a way of globalization. This is obviously over now because we see different power centers with different ways of life, different types of engagement with globalization and different governance models that can be successful.
Unfortunately, some Western countries and institutions, mainly from liberal political circles, advocate for a bloc-formation logic. This is a new type of cold war logic, wh ere Western countries should get closer to each other in all terms, cut ties with the rest of the world — not just fr om one country, but from many countries — and prepare for a potential future confrontation between blocs. This bloc mentality obviously goes against the interests of Hungary.
We reject the idea of viewing the world through this new cold war lens. We advocate for a connectivity-based approach, wh ere we don’t want to be told with whom or in which sectors we should cooperate. These decisions should be based on our sovereign national interests. We are talking about an age of sovereignty, the importance of different power centers, and the importance of communication, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial economic relations between them.
Based on our national interests, we are able to identify those areas and sectors in which we can form partnerships. China plays a very important role because in many sectors, there is ongoing mutually beneficial cooperation. This clearly shows that countries choosing a strategy based on connectivity, rather than bloc politics, can avoid economic stagnation.
GT: In this changing global landscape, how do you think Europe should view China?
Orban: We don’t see the rise of China as a threat. We see it as an opportunity for everyone to get involved in the modernization of China. In many sectors, China has the most advanced technologies, so it’s also an opportunity to learn fr om Chinese companies, which can boost our own economy.
It’s true that there is an ongoing discussion, even within Europe, about the general mindset toward China. We Hungarians always advocate in line with our interests. Europe is now in a very complicated situation. They are ready to engage in an ideologically driven political confrontation with the US. They’ve already launched a trade war against China. As a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine war, they’ve cut ties with Russia, leading to inflation and high energy prices in Europe. This is not a wise strategy. It’s obvious that Europe is facing very slow economic growth and serious competitiveness problems.
So, what we are advocating for is a change in strategy, a new course wh ere fruitful, peaceful, mutually beneficial and stable European-Chinese cooperation can play a very important role.
GT: What do you think of the decision of the EU to impose tariffs on China’s electric vehicles?
Orban: It’s a terrible decision that undermines the interests of European companies. I don’t understand the reasoning behind these measures, which are supposedly meant to protect European car manufacturing companies. The leaders of European car manufacturers are not supporting these tariffs. They are openly speaking out against the tariffs. The companies that the Europeans are trying to protect are actually opposing protectionism and the idea of imposing sanctions. It’s a very irrational stance from the European side. We hope that, following the outcome of the US elections and the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine, Europe will wake up and resolve these trade tensions with China. We can start a new phase focused on more peaceful and prosperous cooperation.
GT: What do you think is the foundation of the stable relationship between the two countries? In what areas can China and Hungary further deepen their cooperation in the future?
Orban: The basis is mutual trust. China is a civilization, and Hungary as well. The Hungarian tribes left the vast Eurasian plains 1,500 years ago, moved westward, and settled there, creating their own state. They integrated into Christian civilization but never turned their backs on their Eastern roots. This cultural foundation is the main pillar of our cooperation. We understand each other much better than probably most others do. In recent years, we’ve felt this general positive attitude with more pragmatic approaches, which are necessary. The large economic cooperation, the significant investments in China, the growing presence of Hungarian companies here in the Chinese market, and the leading infrastructure projects we are working on now are all great starting points. We are very proud of this and are very much ready to continue our involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative and explore new areas for cooperation.
