Wang Yi highlights Austria's role in China-Europe links

China's Foreign Minister has called on Austria to continue playing a constructive role in China-European Union ties, saying the two sides should regard each other as partners rather than rivals, and that Europe should view China's development as an opportunity, not a challenge.

Wang Yi made the remarks during talks with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Beijing, where he commended Austria's rational and pragmatic policy toward China.

The international situation is undergoing frequent turbulence, with peace and development facing severe challenges, Wang said.

Against such a backdrop, the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and China's four global initiatives have offered Chinese solutions that serve the common interests of humanity, Wang added.

Wang extended China's congratulations on Austria's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, expressing Beijing's readiness to increase communication and coordination with Austria.

The two countries should work together to uphold the authority of the UN, safeguard the international rule of law, fairness and justice, support multilateralism and free trade, and promote the reform and improvement of the global governance system, Wang said.

With this year marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Austria, Wang said the two countries should maintain high-level exchanges, respect each other's core interests, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthen the social and public foundation of bilateral relations.

Meinl-Reisinger said Austria is ready to promote candid dialogue between Europe and China and contribute to the steady and sound development of EU-China relations.

Austria looks forward to close coordination with China to uphold the central role of the UN and encourage countries, large and small, to work together for world peace and development, she said.

She said Austria attaches great importance to developing relations with China and will continue to uphold the one-China policy.

Austria is willing to strengthen strategic dialogue with China and expand cooperation in fields including trade, investment and green development, she said, adding that Austrian companies want to remain deeply engaged in the Chinese market.

Among other issues, the two sides also discussed the Ukraine crisis and the situation in the Middle East.