Gong Tao, China's ambassador to Hungary, said he does not expect bilateral relations to deteriorate after Hungary's recent political changes; on the contrary, he hopes ties will grow in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), 6G telecommunications and renewable energy. The ambassador made the remarks at a press briefing held at the Chinese Embassy on June 12.
According to Gong Tao, the Chinese leadership has also signalled a wish to continue cooperation: the Chinese premier sent a congratulatory message to Magyar Péter after the formation of the new Hungarian government, expressing a desire to strengthen cooperation and maintain good relations. Magyar Péter replied by underlining the Hungarian government's regard for relations with China and his confidence that they will develop further.
Gong Tao said there have already been local contacts between the new Hungarian political leadership and the Chinese Embassy. The ambassador personally met Magyar Péter, Speaker Forsthoffer Ágnes, Foreign Minister Orbán Anita and Economic and Energy Minister Kapitány István at the inaugural session of the National Assembly. He continued discussions with Orbán Anita at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception for the diplomatic corps; so far these meetings have been largely introductory, but the ambassador expressed hope they will deepen soon.
Responding to a question from Telex, Gong Tao said he does not expect that the renewed EU funds will weaken the financial and financing links between Hungary and China that have strengthened in recent years — such as panda bonds, green panda bonds, Chinese loans and the renminbi hub in Budapest. He welcomed Hungary's efforts to strengthen ties with other EU states, but said he expects Hungary to sustain and develop its nexus with China in parallel. He added that the two directions are not mutually exclusive and can reinforce each other, and that Hungary could play an important role in developing China–EU relations.
The ambassador did not provide a precise date for when passenger traffic might resume on the Budapest–Belgrade rail line, nor did he elaborate on the review mentioned by the Tisza government. He said he trusts that Chinese companies contributed appropriately to the construction.
Gong Tao also said he follows major Chinese investments, for example in the electric vehicle and battery industries, and that he visits Szeged, Debrecen and Miskolc from time to time. He argued that such factories should be seen not only as ways to boost Hungarian exports and GDP, but also as contributors to local employment, technology transfer and the growth of knowledge-intensive sectors.
