By 2024, Hungary and China had elevated ties to an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership” – Beijing’s highest label for close partners. The symbolism was backed by substance: in the past two years, Hungary has attracted more Chinese capital than Germany, France, and the United Kingdom combined. A deeper alignment with Washington could force Hungary to reckon with the United States’ China policy. The maximum expectation is that Orban may soften the political symbolism of Hungary’s China ties under pressure from Trump, but in substance, breaking with Beijing would mean going against Hungary’s core economic interests. Hungary may foreshadow dilemmas other U.S. allies could face if Chinese capital embeds itself more deeply in their economies.