Hungary’s Indo-Pacific positioning is focused on China, and shaped less by mutually beneficial relations than by structural dependence. The incoming Magyar government would most likely not alter this position, but it may begin to redefine its limits. Key takeaways: Incoming Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is unlikely to break with Chinese economic relations but will… Continue reading From Bridgehead to Boundaries? Hungary’s prospective Indo-Pacific strategy under Péter Magyar
(This is a slightly edited version of a speech given at the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and the EU Democracy Shield Special Committee session “China’s Influence in the EU and Globally” on 5 November 2025). Let me sum up my argument first: China’s challenge to the global governance is primarily driven by its impressive… Continue reading Reshaping global governance: China’s strategy to influence international organizations and reframe international law
With China and the US agreeing to suspend the enforcement of strict export controls on Chinese rare-earth materials, the EU can breathe a sigh of relief. But the episode underscores that if the EU wants to shape its own future, it must confront its critical vulnerabilities. Key takeaways: The truce between Presidents Xi Jinping and… Continue reading The EU is stuck between China and a hard place
Hungary remains Beijing’s closest ally within NATO, maintaining continuity in its China policy even after Orbán’s ally Donald Trump returned to the White House. Key takeaways: Although Prime Minister Viktor Orbán skipped the Beijing Victory Day parade, a flurry of high-level contacts continues. The partnership is underpinned by expanding economic ties, led by major Chinese… Continue reading Hungary sticks to its guns on China
The newly adopted Spanish external action strategy portrays China in a rosy light and places it on the same level of importance as the US, reflecting the ripples of the Transatlantic rift under Trump 2.0. Key takeaways: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s numerous visits to Beijing and his public rejection of Donald Trump’s policies paved the… Continue reading What’s behind Spain’s pivot to China
