Hungary and China

Apart from the ancient Hun-Chinese neighborhood, the relationship of the two countries is worth reviewing back to the middle of the 20th century, especially to 1949. Hungary – among the first countries in the world – acknowledged the People’s Republic of China that year. Since 6th of October the two countries have had diplomatic relationship. In the last months of 2009 both countries organized events – from cultural events to high-level official state celebrations – for the 60th anniversary of this act.

Politics

In the last 60 years the two countries’ relationship was running smooth, without having real conflicts. Although the official Prime Ministers’ visits took a longer brake after the 1960s, but 2003 was a turning-point. Péter Medgyessy was the first Hungarian Prime Minister after 44 years, who paid an official visit at our Asian partner. China also considered the visit as a significant political event and the meeting meant the beginning of a vivid connection between the two countries. For the occasion of Hungary’s joining to the European Union, President Hu Jintao arrived to Budapest for an official visit As a result of the meeting a common declaration was signed aiming to develop the connection and friendship between the two countries. Furthermore, Hungary confirmed to adopt One-China policy. As one of the latest signs of close relations a new Hungarian consulate general was opened in Chongqing, the biggest city of China, with nearly 30 million inhabitants.

Economics

The two countries maintain vivid economic relationship. Hungary has become one of the most important commercial partners in Europe. While Hungary and China had a trade volume of 400 million USD in 2000, this figure became 17 times higher by today. Several Hungarian countries focus on China and also many Chinese investors target on the Hungarian markets. Making use of Chinese economic opportunities became a priority for Hungary only following the 1990s, but since then we are catching up with our competitors fast. This effort of ours is supported by the Chinese idea of turning Hungary into a gate to Europe for the Chinese country. One of the main targets of Chinese companies becoming multinational is the European market. Hungary is making efforts to offer proper business environment for the necessary capacity extensions and for the establishment of manufacturing plants.

Culture

There are nearly twenty twin-city ,county or province relationships between the two countries. The large distance in geographical and mental sense seems to be insuperable at first sight. It is, however, very joyful that we can find several typical Hungarian motives in China. A splendid example is the poem by Sándor Petőfi named „Szabadság, szerelem” (Liberty, Love), which found a great Chinese translation to become a very popular one among those who know Petőfi. Another world famous Hungarian mastermind is László Hudec, who worked as the head architect of Shanghai and planned several representative buildings, raising Hungary’s reputation.

We can find several similarities between the traditions of the two countries that seem to have preserved our ancient Asian origin. The Chinese name for Hungary is Xiongali and contains the base of the word „xiongnu”, which means „Asian Hun stem”. For Chinese people it transmits that we, Hungarians, are their relatives from Asia. The order of our surnames and first names is unique in Europe but it’s the same in China, just like the order of writing a date (year/month/day).