China and Austria pledged strengthened cooperation to uphold multilateralism and global stability during a high-level meeting at the Munich Security Conference, signaling a unified stance against geopolitical fragmentation and unilateral actions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Austrian interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg emphasized the importance of international law, UN authority, and open dialogue amid rising global tensions.
Diplomatic Momentum
Wang, speaking ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, stressed China's commitment to peaceful development and praised Austria's role as a mediator in international affairs. 'The world faces overlapping security challenges and economic uncertainty,' Wang noted. 'China's original aspirations remain unchanged: we stand for cooperation, not confrontation.'
Economic Cooperation Focus
Schallenberg rejected economic decoupling, stating that 'open cooperation is key to prosperity.' Both leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in trade, technology, and sustainable development, with Austria set to benefit from China's growing market. Schallenberg also highlighted China's 'Eastern wisdom' as crucial for resolving global conflicts, including in the Middle East.
The meeting underscores a broader effort to invigorate China-EU relations, with Wang calling for EU countries to 'jointly shape a stable multilateral order' in an era of rapid geopolitical shifts.
Reference(s):
China to work with Austria to uphold multilateralism: FM Wang Yi
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