Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on global powers to support direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine as he met with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who visited Beijing on a mission for peace.

The meeting between Xi and Orban in Beijing came after the Hungarian leader's visits to Russia and Ukraine last week to explore peaceful solutions for the ongoing conflict.

Hungary, currently holding the EU presidency, has undertaken a peace initiative, though without full European backing. Orban expressed the importance of China's role in fostering peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, citing his visit to President Xi in Beijing soon after Xi's visit to Budapest.

Xi stressed the need for major powers to promote a positive environment for peace talks, calling for a ceasefire and affirming that all parties should work towards a political solution.

During the discussions, Xi emphasized China's neutrality in the conflict and highlighted its supportive actions towards Moscow, including joint military exercises and growing trade partnerships.

China-Hungary ties

Russia commended Orban's efforts to clarify positions in resolving the conflict, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for major world powers like the US and China to play a leading role in peace mediation.

Orban's close relations with Xi and Putin have raised concerns among some European leaders, particularly with his recent trips to Moscow and Beijing for what he termed as "Peace mission 3.0".

Orban described China as a stabilizing force amid global turmoil and praised its constructive peace initiatives, including a peace plan with Brazil.

Hungary, under Orban, has strengthened ties with China, hosting key Chinese investments and facilities like electric vehicle (EV) battery plants. Orban's stance on Western military aid to Ukraine has put him at odds with EU and NATO allies.

Orban's diplomatic moves, aligned with Putin's interests, have drawn criticism for potentially undermining EU unity in its relations with China and Russia. His approach to resolving the war may aid in organizing future peace conferences.

Despite Orban's efforts, Putin has maintained a hardline stance demanding Ukrainian troop withdrawals from contested regions, a condition rejected by Kyiv and Western allies.

In Eastern Europe, China's influence has expanded through strategic partnerships with countries like Belarus, aligning closely with Russia. Orban is scheduled to visit Washington, DC, for NATO talks on supporting Ukraine.