Chinese soldiers in masks and a suspicious van: Mystery on Budapest’s streets?

Ákos Hadházy, an independent member of the Hungarian Parliament, has raised alarm bells by sharing a photo of a van featuring a Chinese flag, reportedly spotted speeding near Hungary’s Military National Security Service. The image, sent by a member of the public, has sparked speculation, with some Hungarian media suggesting that Chinese soldiers in black masks may be patrolling Budapest in a customised military vehicle.

Masked individuals in camouflage wear and a mysterious van

Mr Hadházy is a unique participant in Hungarian politics. He is always a non-aligned member of the parliament and regularly digging up shocking corruption cases related to the utilization of the EU monies. Now, he wrote about something else on his Facebook page. Hadházy, known for his persistent investigations into government corruption—particularly concerning the misuse of EU funds—took to Facebook to share this curious incident.

The image, reportedly sent by a supporter, depicts a van marked with a Chinese flag, allegedly seen in the vicinity of the Military National Security Service headquarters. Hadházy asserted that both the source of the image and the photograph itself were credible.

Photo: FB/Ákos Hadházy

Hadházy referred to a summer article of Magyar Hang, pointing out that the Hungarian government had granted China permission to deploy militia-like units from the People’s Armed Forces Department (PAFD) to protect Chinese state-owned enterprises in Hungary. Intelligence Online has also reported that Hungary was chosen as the first European country to host such units. Hadházy noted that Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky had not denied these claims, leading him to believe they were accurate.

A secretive agreement between Hungary and China

According to the independent MP, Hungary and China have signed two agreements related to Chinese military personnel operating within the country. The first agreement permits Chinese police officers to assist Hungarian authorities in matters involving Hungary’s growing Chinese diaspora.

The second, more contentious agreement allows China to deploy its personnel to protect Chinese interests and employees in Hungary. Notably, this agreement was classified as a domestic arrangement, bypassing the need for parliamentary scrutiny or public disclosure.

Hadházy has pledged to question the Defence Minister about the purpose of the van and whether its presence signified a military operation or something more benign.

Chinese Tiktoker’s van?

In an update to his post, Mr Hadházy referenced a comment suggesting that the van might belong to a Chinese Tiktoker touring Europe in a similar vehicle. HERE you may check out the videos.

Regardless of whether the van was part of a military operation or simply a civilian project, Hadházy emphasised two key points. First, the agreements between Hungary and China remain in effect, enabling the deployment of Chinese personnel. Second, the van’s presence near the Military National Security Service raises significant questions about its activities and purpose.

As this peculiar case unfolds, Hadházy’s revelations underline concerns over the opaque nature of Hungary’s dealings with China and the implications for national security.

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