China's facial recognition plan in Hungary sparks EU security concerns

China plans to install cameras with facial recognition systems in Hungary. "Die Welt," which reported in March about potential patrols by Chinese police in Hungary, warns that Beijing aims to control its citizens worldwide, gaining access to dissidents in one of the EU countries.

At the beginning of March, the media reported on an agreement between the interior ministries of Hungary and China allowing Chinese police patrols on Hungarian soil. The government in Budapest then stated that the cooperation aimed to improve security in locations visited by Chinese tourists.

On Thursday, the VSquare portal reported that during Chinese Communist leader Xi Jinping's visit to Budapest in early May, an agreement was also reached regarding deploying cameras in Hungary with advanced artificial intelligence functions, including facial recognition.

Even if purportedly intended to monitor Chinese investments, institutions, and personnel, the potential involvement of Chinese technology firms, some of which have ties to the People’s Liberation Army or Chinese intelligence and are subject to Western sanctions, could complicate Hungary’s relations with its NATO allies - writes VSquare.

Chinese dissidents in the EU fear that China may abuse this agreement - adds the portal. According to the German newspaper "Die Welt," which reported in March about possible patrols by Chinese police on Hungarian soil, they warn that Beijing wants to control its citizens worldwide, now gaining access to dissidents in one of the EU countries.

Hungary has the best relations with China among all EU countries; these ties were deepened during Xi's recent visit. China is investing billions of pounds in the electric car sector in Hungary and expects this country to influence other EU nations regarding its policy towards China.