The Hungarian security service has begun preparing strict security measures for the expected arrival of the Chinese delegation in Budapest at the beginning of May. Information about this was reported by VSquare, a specialized publication focusing on events in Central Europe.
Although the visit has not yet been officially confirmed and was reported only by the media, it is already causing heightened security measures by the Hungarian authorities. In particular, the Hungarian counter-terrorist center, which is responsible for the protection of high-ranking officials, is preparing for the visit of a high-level delegation from China, to which about 400 people are expected to arrive from May 8 to 10.
The Hungarian side uses the highest level of security, similar to the measures that were implemented during the visit of Pope Francis to Hungary last year.
These security measures may affect traffic in the city, in particular, the possible closure of the Budapest Funicular to Castle Hill, which passes near the offices of the President and Prime Minister. Xi Jinping is expected to meet with Hungarian leaders during this visit.
These events are scheduled to take place a month before local and municipal elections in Hungary, as well as before the European Parliament elections, so they are likely to be discussed in the political debates of the pre-election season.
It is important to note that Xi Jinping's visit to Europe in May will be his first visit to the continent since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The last meeting of the head of the People's Republic of China with Viktor Orbán took place in October of last year in Beijing at the third international forum of the "One Belt One Road" initiative, where Xi Jinping called the Prime Minister of Hungary his old friend.
