0
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China's Foreign Minister, held a meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Beijing on the 25th. He emphasized the fact that China's presence serves as an opportunity for the EU. / Courtesy of Xinhua News Agency

China's top diplomat Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Foreign Minister (who also serves concurrently as the Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission), emphasized the fact that his country offers opportunities to the European Union (EU) and urged Austria to play a positive role in developing China-EU relations. 

According to Beijing diplomatic sources on the 26th, Director and Minister Wang made these remarks during a meeting held the previous day in Beijing with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

Wang then emphasized that "the correct positioning of China-EU relations is as partners, not rivals," and asserted that "China's development represents an opportunity for Europe, not a challenge."

He went on to state, "China highly appreciates Austria's implementation of a rational and pragmatic policy toward China," adding, "We hope Austria continues to play a constructive role in the development of China-EU relations."

Director and Minister Wang additionally remarked, "The friendly strategic partnership between China and Austria strong proofs that countries with different sizes, systems, and civilizations can fully become friends and partners," urging the deepening of cooperation under the premise of respecting each other's core interests. Furthermore, he congratulated Austria on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and requested that they jointly support multilateralism and free trade.

In response, Minister Meinl-Reisinger replied, "Austria attaches great importance to developing relations with China and continues to adhere to the 'One China' policy," adding, "We are willing to help facilitate frank dialogue between the EU and China and promote the stable and healthy development of EU-China relations."

In relation to this, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both sides also exchanged in-depth views on the Ukrainian issue and the Middle East situation on that day.

According to sources, the EU has recently been tightening regulations on Chinese enterprises in strategic industries and other areas. For instance, it is reviewing a new trade strategy to counter oversupply and price competition originating from China. China is naturally pushing back against this and is discussing the establishment of consultative bodies to ease trade friction with the EU. In tandem, Beijing is also emphasizing the necessity of cooperation directly toward individual EU member states.

                                                                                                          Hong Soon-do