In May 2025, Professor Yan Xuetong, Honorary Dean of the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, visited Budapest, Hungary, at the invitation of the National University of Public Service (NUPS) and the Danube Institute, among other institutions.

On the morning of May 10, Professor Yan held talks with Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, at the Prime Minister’s Office. The discussions covered China-Europe relations, China-U.S. relations, the digital economy, and European security issues. The meeting was also attended by Balázs Orbán, Political Director of the Prime Minister’s Office.

(Pictured: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán with Professor Yan Xuetong.)

(Pictured: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Political Director Balázs Orbán, and Professor Yan Xuetong during the meeting.)

On May 9, Professor Yan met with Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia, for an in-depth exchange on the World Peace Forum, China-Australia relations, and the evolving global order.

(Pictured: Professor Yan Xuetong with former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.)

At the National University of Public Service, Professor Yan delivered a keynote speech titled “China and Major Power Relations.” Drawing on data from the “Major Power Relations Index” released by Tsinghua University’s Institute of International Relations, he analyzed critical bilateral dynamics, including China-U.S., China-U.K., and China-Japan relations. The event attracted an audience of over 300 attendees.

(Pictured: Professor Yan Xuetong delivering his speech at the National University of Public Service.)

(Pictured: The audience at the National University of Public Service event.)

During his visit to the Danube Institute, Professor Yan presented a lecture on “Trump’s Tariff Wars,” arguing that Sino-American strategic competition will not escalate into a new Cold War. Unlike the Cold War’s ideological bloc confrontations, he emphasized, current U.S.-China rivalry will primarily center on the digital economy. The session was chaired by Eric Hendriks, Visiting Fellow at the Danube Institute, with commentary by Nathan Levine, also a Visiting Fellow. The event brought together diplomats, scholars, and researchers for a lively discussion.

(Pictured: Professor Yan Xuetong speaking at the Danube Institute.)

(Pictured: The Danube Institute event in session.)

Professor Yan also granted interviews to Hungary’s leading media outlets, Mandiner and Eurasia, sharing his insights on China-Europe relations and U.S. tariff policies.

(Pictured: Professor Yan Xuetong during his media interviews.)

Ai Banglin, Director of Communications at Tsinghua University’s Institute of International Relations, accompanied the delegation.