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In wide-ranging London talk, Hungary’s trade and foreign affairs chief explains why Western sanctions against Russia have badly backfired.
Chinese president did not avoid difficult questions from his French and EU counterparts, and visits to Serbia and Hungary reinforced established ties.
Talks on trade imbalances and Ukraine war await Chinese president as he first heads to France in pursuit of ‘pragmatic’ European policy, then Serbia and Hungary, before returning to host Vladimir Putin.
- The Chinese president upgraded relations with Serbia and Hungary, with dozens of deals expanding Beijing’s footprint in Central European critical infrastructure
- But in France, despite long-standing ties to President Emmanuel Macron, he made few if any concessions to reduce the flood of Chinese imports into the European Union
As China looks to tap Europe’s vast market for lithium batteries, Hungary has become an attractive destination for production to make logistics simpler – and bypass EU trade investigations.
New designation of relationship brings diplomatic ties to highest level, underscored by 17 agreements signed between the two sides.
Xi’s arrival and remarks published in Serbia coincided with 25th anniversary of US air strike that killed three Chinese journalists.
Entourage features senior Chinese diplomats and officials who oversee the country’s economic and trade affairs.
President Xi Jinping’s European trip comes amid barrage of EU trade and competition tools largely targeting Chinese firms, including dramatic raids in the Netherlands and Poland.
Observers say Ukraine will be high on the agenda when Chinese President Xi Jinping travels to France, Serbia and Hungary next month, while the West will be watching Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s visit to China for signs Beijing is supporting Moscow’s war efforts.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi tells counterpart Peter Szijjarto in Beijing that Hungary is a ‘European country of unique influence’.
The passenger, accompanied by her family, shouted obscene words midflight and caused a commotion, making the operation of the aircraft difficult.
Carmakers like Dongfeng, Chery and BYD are eyeing production sites in Europe to assemble the next generation of electric vehicles as a foil against the EU’s protectionist tariffs as a brutal price war at home drives more producers offshore in search of fresh markets.
The pact will harden tighten border procedures and force all the nations in the bloc to share responsibility for migrants.
Former president’s embassy stay raises questions about his plans as he faces multiple criminal investigations. Brazilian police cannot arrest a politician staying at a foreign embassy.
The former US president feted Orban with a tour of his resort, dinner with ex-first lady Melania Trump and musical performance by a band covering Roy Orbison.
Sweden became the 32nd member of Nato in the shadow of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, turning the page on two centuries of non-alignment and capping two years of tortuous diplomacy.
Sweden clears the last hurdle to join Nato, ending the Nordic country’s long history of neutrality and military non-alignment.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed that parliament would move next week to ratify the Nordic country’s accession to the defence alliance.
All European Union countries except Hungary warned Israel against launching an offensive in Rafah that they said would deepen the catastrophe of some 1.5 million refugees crammed into the city.
Magnificent architecture and menacing reminders of war sharpen the senses on a journey around Europe by rail, from London to Brussels to Budapest – as does the arrival of thieves in the night.
China’s top diplomat will try to find openings for Beijing’s interests amid continent’s panic over ex-American leader’s possible return, analysts say.
