Photo: Balázs Orbán/X
Eurasia
28/11/2024 18:08
Following its debut in Hungary and the United States, Balázs Orbán’s book, Hussar Cut: The Hungarian Strategy for Connectivity, has now been introduced in China.
“The cooperation between China and Hungary is growing stronger—economically, politically, and culturally,” said Balázs Orbán, the political director of the Hungarian prime minister, during the book launch event in Beijing. He emphasized that the book’s reception in China reflects the unprecedented strength of the relationship between the two nations, which are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties this year.
Speaking at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Orbán explained the symbolism behind the title Hussar Cut, describing it as a representation of the turbulent times during which the book was written—a period requiring courage and adaptability for any nation to thrive. “Hungary must adopt a strategy akin to the Hussar cut—swift, decisive, and courageous,” he elaborated.
Commenting on the shifting global landscape, Orbán noted that the West is no longer the sole dominant power as the East rises steadily. While Western nations currently account for 30 percent of the global economy, Eastern countries now represent 35 percent, he observed.
In the book, Orbán employs the metaphor of an arch supported by two stone pillars to illustrate Hungary’s vision of the changing geopolitical order. “Hungary stands at the center of the arch, connecting the two pillars and providing stability to the entire structure. This idea captures the role Hungary aspires to play as a bridge between Asia and Europe,” he said.
Reflecting on the event, Orbán told MTI that the Chinese response to the book underscores an interest in Hungary’s foreign policy strategy, which prioritizes connectivity. He emphasized that Hungary rejects bloc-based thinking and Cold War-era logic, which have seen a resurgence in recent years. “We advocate for economic neutrality, making decisions about trade, investments, and technology purely based on national interests. This approach is already driving substantial economic growth,” he said. “Hungary’s independent and sovereign policies are increasingly recognized internationally, offering a distinct and autonomous voice in various arenas,” he added.
Chao Jie-min, Secretary General of CASS, remarked that the book highlights the shared development philosophies of Hungary and China, positioning them as strong partners in modernization efforts. “We hope the publication of Hussar Cut in Chinese will deepen understanding of Hungarian strategic thinking among Chinese and European scholars,” Chao said in his opening remarks.
