Chinese President Xi Jinping is embarking on a significant five-day tour of Europe, focusing on Hungary and Serbia, two countries in Eastern Europe that have become key players in China's economic expansion in the region. These nations, led by autocratic leaders Viktor Orbán and Aleksandar Vucic, have fostered close ties with China and Russia, positioning themselves as China-friendly allies.
Hungary, as the first EU country to engage in China's Belt and Road Initiative, has welcomed substantial Chinese investments in various sectors, straddling a delicate balance between EU membership and economic cooperation with non-democratic regimes. This strategic move has allowed China to establish a foothold within the EU, avoiding potential tariffs on imports like electric vehicles.
