Szijjarto: Hungary opposed to punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs

Earlier, Szijjarto met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to discuss the implementation of agreements signed in May, during a visit to Hungary by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the development of ties between Europe and China, and political steps on the global stage in the interest of peace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

“Hungary is a good example of the big economic benefits a civilised East-West cooperation can bring,” Szijjarto said, pointing to business partnerships between Western European and Chinese automotive industry companies to advance electromobility.

He said that the EU’s competitiveness could improve “dramatically” if it were to cooperate with China instead of “creating confrontation”.

In that context, levying punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs is “a very bad idea”, he said, adding that European automotive industry companies were “protesting the measure tooth and nail”.

“Hungary is against the tariffs and will vote against them. And we hope that in the coming years, a civilised, sensible economic cooperation that is based on mutual respect can be established with China,” he said.

Hungary “greatly appreciates” the Chinese-Brazilian peace initiative, Szijjarto said. He added that Hungary would continue to cooperate closely with China to promote global pro-peace efforts.