Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations, China-Europe ties, and global issues, with a significant focus on the Ukraine crisis, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian.
Addressing reporters at a regular press briefing on the same day, Lin provided details about Orban's visit and the discussions held between the leaders.
"On the morning of July 8, President Xi Jinping met with Hungarian Prime Minister Orban at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. During the meeting, President Xi and Prime Minister Orban exchanged views on bilateral relations, China-Europe relations, and issues of mutual concern. The two sides particularly conducted an in-depth discussion regarding the Ukraine crisis, and Prime Minister Orban briefed Xi on his recent visits to Ukraine and Russia," said Lin.
"President Xi commended Prime Minister Orban for his efforts in promoting a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis and elaborated on China's related views and propositions. President Xi emphasized that an early ceasefire and a political settlement are in the interests of all parties. The current priority is to adhere to the three principles of 'no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no fanning by any party over the flames' to quickly de-escalate the situation. The international community should create conditions and provide support for the resumption of direct dialogue and negotiations between the two parties," Lin added.
The spokesman urged the international community, especially major countries, to contribute all efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
"Only if all major countries exert positive energy rather than negative energy can there be an early glimmer of hope for a ceasefire in this conflict. China has consistently been actively promoting peace talks in its own way, encouraging and supporting all efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the crisis. The basic propositions and efforts of China and Hungary are aligned with each other. China is willing to maintain communication with Hungary and other relevant parties," said Lin.
Xi meets with Hungarian PM on Ukraine crisis: spokesman
Xi meets with Hungarian PM on Ukraine crisis: spokesman
With the introduction of new real estate policies in China's four major cities, industry insiders believe that the measures taken by multiple departments will help boost market confidence and contribute to the recovery of the property market, with first-tier cities leading the trend.
In late September, major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen introduced a new wave of real estate policy adjustments aimed at revitalizing the property market.
Starting October 1, Beijing introduced new property policies focused on easing purchase restrictions and increasing credit support. The minimum down payment for first-time home buyers has dropped from 20 percent to 15 percent, and from 30 percent to 20 percent for second homes - easing financial pressure and facilitating both first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade their homes.
Beijing’s real estate market has shown promising signs under these policy incentives. In the three days following the new policy release, the number of viewings for new homes in the Chinese capital increased by 92.5 percent compared to the same period last year, with purchase agreements doubling. Viewings for resale homes also rose by 104.1 percent year on year.
"Since the new policies came out, we've seen a rise in customer inquiries, whether they're looking to buy or sell a home. The number of customer viewings has also increased. Around 90 percent of them are looking to upgrade their homes. Some clients previously lacked confidence, but the new policy has made many feel that now is a good time to make a move," said Wu Bei, regional manager of Maitian Real Estate Agency.
In addition to Beijing, other first-tier cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou have introduced similar measures, including lower down payment requirements and eased district-specific purchase restrictions.
"As the new policies take effect, we expect a rise in visits to real estate agencies and property viewings after the National Day holiday. We also anticipate that property prices will soon stabilize across the country, driven by Beijing and other top-tier cities," said Zhao Qingxiang, secretary general of the Beijing Real Estate Agency Association.
According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, cities conducting promotional activities reported over a 50-percent year-on-year increase in visits to real estate projects during the week-long National Day holiday. Some properties in Guangzhou saw over 150 visits per day, up 200 percent from normal levels.
Adjusted policies motivate China's home sales: experts
