China’s ties into European universities is by no means unique to Hungary. However, the opening, and governmental endorsement of, a Chinese university in Europe is indeed novel.
Budapest’s invitation to Fudan University, one of China’s highest ranked universities, comes only about two years after the George Soros-backed Central European University was unceremoniously evicted from the nation’s capital. In the context of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s politicized view or education, perhaps this is unsurprising.
However, MapInfluenCE analyst Tamás Matura noted there is a prescient rationale for the Shanghai-based university’s choice of Budapest as well.
“With prestige in mind, I would expect Fudan to settle in London, Berlin or Paris. But today’s Hungary, which Orban is holding tight, is a much safer environment. In Western Europe, Fudan might face oversight or control, possibly criticism, but here they have nothing to fear.”
Tamás Matura on the rationale for Hungary’s selection for cooperation.
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Not content to appear only in Balkan-based media, Matura also offered insights to audiences in Italy for Il Foglio, Britain for The Financial Times, ExBulletin, and The Sunday Times, as well as French-speaking audiences for Liberation and La Libre on the same subject.
He noted that the issue carries wide-reaching ramifications for academics in teh country as well, particularly those that dare criticize China or the Budapest’s burgeoning ties with Beijing.
“Those who tried to be a little more constructive in their criticism of China and its issues [are penalized]…This is really a concern for us too.”
Matura on the implications for academics
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
