China’s President Xi Jinping hosted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Beijing on Monday, where they discussed the Ukraine conflict. Xi emphasized the need for an early cease-fire and political resolution, according to China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.
The leaders met at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Upon arrival, Orban referred to his visit as “Peace Mission 3.0.”
Orban’s visit follows recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, where he explored possible solutions to the Ukraine conflict, Russia-Europe relations, and European security.
During their in-depth discussions, Xi praised Orban’s efforts to seek a political resolution to the crisis. Xi stressed the importance of preventing battlefield expansion, escalation of fighting, and provocations by any party, advocating for rapid de-escalation.
Xi called for the international community to support direct dialogue and negotiations between the conflicting parties, stating, “Only when all major countries play a positive rather than negative role, can there emerge an early prospect of cease-fire.”
He highlighted China’s active promotion of peace talks and its encouragement of efforts toward a peaceful settlement, noting the shared goals of China and Hungary.
After the meeting, Orban remarked, “China is a key power in creating the conditions for peace” in the Russia-Ukraine war, and emphasized the significance of his visit to Beijing following Xi’s recent official visit to Budapest.
Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union until December 31. Xi underscored the strategic and global importance of China-EU relations, urging for steady and healthy development, enhanced cooperation, and collective efforts to address global challenges.–News Desk