Munich: China is ready to work with Austria to jointly voice support for upholding multilateralism, maintaining the authority of the United Nations, defending the international rule of law, and rejecting unilateral bullying, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Saturday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Austrian interim Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Wang emphasized that the world currently faces overlapping security challenges and economic risks, as well as factors of instability and uncertainty. He noted that the international community is concerned about division and confrontation while yearning for peace and stability. Wang pointed out that the focus of this year's Munich Security Conference on multipolarization is timely and that China's original aspirations remain unchanged, which conforms to the trend of peaceful development and consistently plays a positive role in a changing world.
Wang acknowledged Austria's role as a permanently neutral country that has long played the part of a bridge-builder and mediator in international affairs. He welcomed Austria to seize new opportunities brought by China's development, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and advance China-Austria relations to continue leading China-EU relations. With this year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, China stands ready to work with EU countries, including Austria, to invigorate China-EU relations and drive progress in the coming decades.
Schallenberg, for his part, stated that Austria and China respect each other and have conducted close cooperation on bilateral and multilateral issues. He affirmed Austria's commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with China. Schallenberg cautioned against decoupling and the severing of industrial and supply chains, suggesting that such actions do not align with the common interests of all parties. Instead, he advocated for open cooperation as key to achieving development and prosperity.
Austria appreciates China's adherence to multilateralism and is willing to work with China to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and defend the post-World War II international order. Schallenberg added that Austria highly values China's influence as a major country and hopes China will apply Eastern wisdom to play an important role in promoting peace. The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and other issues.