At the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Austrian interim Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg committed to working together to uphold multilateralism and strengthen cooperation.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized China’s readiness to collaborate with Austria in supporting the authority of the United Nations, defending international law, and rejecting unilateral bullying.
“With the world facing overlapping security challenges and economic risks, the international community is concerned about division and confrontation while yearning for peace and stability,” Wang Yi said. He noted that the focus on multipolarization at this year’s Munich Security Conference is timely, adding that China’s commitment to peaceful development remains steadfast.
Wang Yi highlighted Austria’s role as a permanently neutral country, acting as a bridge-builder and mediator in international affairs. He welcomed Austria to seize new opportunities arising from China’s development, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and advance China-Austria relations, thereby contributing to strengthened China-EU relations.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union,” Wang Yi said. “China stands ready to work with EU countries, including Austria, to invigorate China-EU relations and drive progress in the next 50 years.”
Schallenberg expressed Austria’s appreciation for its relationship with China, noting the mutual respect and close cooperation on bilateral and multilateral issues. “Austria cherishes its relations with China and is ready to strengthen dialogue and cooperation,” he said.
He emphasized that decoupling and the severing of industrial and supply chains do not serve the common interests of all parties. “Open cooperation is key to achieving development and prosperity,” Schallenberg stated.
Schallenberg also commended China’s adherence to multilateralism and expressed Austria’s willingness to work with China to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and defend the post-World War II international order. “Austria highly values China’s influence as a major country and hopes China applies Eastern wisdom to play an important role in promoting peace,” he added.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and other international issues of mutual concern.
