Is China's Influence in Serbia and Hungary Fading? | DW News

Why It Matters

Weakening political support and reputational damage from safety and transparency failures could limit China’s influence and future infrastructure deals in key European footholds, while a more EU-aligned Hungary would reduce Beijing’s leverage within European institutions.

Summary

A China-funded 350 km railway linking Serbia and Hungary has fallen short of expectations, opening only to freight after delays, safety problems and a deadly station canopy collapse in Serbia that killed 16 and sparked protests over government transparency. The disaster dented China’s reputation in Serbia, though Beijing remains deeply invested there through multiple infrastructure projects and high-level diplomatic ties. In Hungary, the political landscape is shifting after Viktor Orbán’s exit: the new foreign minister signals a more cautious stance toward China—seeking economic ties without dependency—and Budapest may align more closely with EU policy. That change risks eroding China’s most reliable advocate within the EU and could bring tighter oversight of Chinese investments such as a planned BYD factory.

Original Description

China has long counted on Serbia and EU member Hungary as key European allies. But a massive railway project built with Chinese funds has been hit with delays and safety concerns. And Hungary’s new government has signaled a different approach to China. So is China losing its foothold in Europe?

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