Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Beijing that China and Europe should be partners, not rivals. The Austrian foreign minister is on a five-day visit, her third meeting with Wang in a year, as Beijing seeks direct channels with European capitals amid strained relations with Brussels.

EU officials last week said views were converging among the bloc's 27 members on curbing the widening trade deficit with China and reducing reliance on Beijing for rare earths and other critical supplies. China's goods trade surplus with the EU reached EUR360.6 billion (US$410.29 billion) in 2025, up 15 per cent from 2024.

France has favoured a firmer approach, while Germany and Spain have taken a more cautious stance. Austria also appears cautious, with Chinese automakers such as Xpeng looking to Austrian contract manufacturers as a European foothold. Around 650 Austrian firms operate in China.

Ms Meinl-Reisinger said Austria's policy is consistent, pragmatic and European, aiming to strengthen sovereignty, reduce dependencies and maintain stable trade relations. Mr Wang said Beijing appreciates Austria's rational stance and hopes it will continue to support the development of China-Europe relations.