Noting that China-Austria relations have maintained a sound development, Wang Yi, senior diplomat and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said on Thursday that China stands ready to deepen the friendly strategic partnership with Austria. 

Wang made the remarks when meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna. He said that China has always firmly supported European integration, the unity and strength of the European Union, and a bigger role of the EU in international affairs, no matter how the international situation evolves.

He noted that China is willing to carry out dialogues and cooperation with the European side on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Schallenberg said that Austria is committed to developing Austria-China relations on the basis of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences. He added that the Austrian side does not advocate decoupling from China and is willing to actively promote the healthy development of European-Chinese relations.