Rosary welcomes China's top politician: Focus on friendship!

Rosary welcomes China's top politician: Focus on friendship!

Wien, Österreich - On May 14, 2025, National Council President Walter Rosenkranz received a delegation of the National People's Congress in China, led by Li Hongzhong. The meeting, which also included members of the bilateral parliamentary group of Austria-China, including Johannes Schmuckenschlager (ÖVP), Pia Maria Wieninger (SPÖ) and Christoph Pramhofer (Neos), had the goal of further deepening the existing relationships between the two countries. Rosenkranz emphasized that respect, harmony, trust and stability form the basis of these bilateral relationships.

Austria and China have been maintaining friendly and strategic partnerships for almost 55 years. As explained bmeia.gv.at, the diplomatic relationships were officially started on May 28, 1971. Since then, relationships in all areas have continued to develop. China is considered an important partner of Austria outside of Europe and is the second largest economy in the world.

important topics and concerns

During the talks, Li Hongzhong expressed the desire for visa releases for Chinese nationals and emphasized the importance of exchange and mutual getting to know each other. These concerns were supported by Rosenkranz, who also emphasized the importance of the visit of Chinese tourists for the Austrian tourism sector.

A central topic was also the confirmation of "one-China policy" by Austria. During the meeting, Rosenkranz made it clear that Austria would continue to stick to this principle. Li Hongzhong also made his insights over the geopolitical situation in relation to Taiwan and underlined the role of China as an active supporter of world peace.

insights into bilateral cooperation

li Hongzhong also took part in the welcome ceremony of a new Pandapaar in the Vienna Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which is a symbol of the Austrian-Chinese friendship. According to the previous reports from society.at, relationships have developed comprehensively in the past five decades, with the bilateral trade volume in 2019 with impressive 14.28 billion euros.

The two countries are similar in many international affairs. For example, they supported themselves with medical relief goods during the Corona pandemic, with China set up an air bridge for the transport of needs to Austria. In addition, Austria supported the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which could further strengthen economic cooperation.