Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) expressed his concerns about China's growing influence in Europe, particularly in Hungary, during a speech on the Senate floor. McConnell warned of the strategic competition posed by China and criticized Hungary for its close ties with Beijing.

"This week, Putin is in Beijing, tending to what Russia and China have called a ‘friendship without limits’," said McConnell. He also noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping received a warm welcome during his recent visit to Budapest.

McConnell pointed out that while many European NATO allies are becoming increasingly aware of the threats posed by Russian aggression and China's rise as a systemic rival, Hungary appears to be taking a different path. He cited Hungary's decision to allow Beijing significant law enforcement authority within its borders and its participation in China's Belt-and-Road Initiative as examples of this divergence.

The Senate Republican Leader also criticized Hungary for its continued support of Huawei, the Chinese communications giant. "Even as other European nations are paying vast sums to extract Huawei from their communications infrastructure, Hungary is now home to Huawei’s European regional logistics hub – a veritable gateway to the West," he said.

Last week, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government signed 19 more agreements with China, ranging from transportation infrastructure to potential nuclear cooperation. McConnell described these developments as red flags for anyone seriously concerned about strategic competition with China.

McConnell also questioned whether Hungary truly shares America's interests given its friendly relations with some of America's biggest adversaries. He urged caution when taking foreign policy cues from countries like Hungary that seem willing to align themselves with autocratic regimes.

In conclusion, McConnell stressed the importance of strong allies who are willing to share the burden of collective defense against threats from Russia, Iran, and China. He called on all of America’s European allies to work together against these common adversaries.