Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong (R), shakes hands with visiting Austrian Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing April 20, 2005.

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong Wednesday told visiting Austrian Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel that China values its relations with Austria and wants to deepen the bilateral cooperation.

China attaches importance to Austria's role in Europe and its influence in the international affairs, Zeng said. "We hope to deepen political trust with Austria and expand bilateral cooperation in economy, environmental protection, forestry, agriculture and culture."

Zeng also urged the two sides to seek more consensus in international affairs and improve consultation and coordination in the United Nations and the other international organizations.

He said the Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "China highly appreciates the Austrian government's adherence to the one-China policy. We hope Austria understands and supports China's efforts to realize peaceful reunification."

China and Austria established diplomatic ties in 1971. The trade volume between the two countries exceeded 3 billion euros (3.87 billion US dollars) in 2004.

Schuessel, who is currently here for a week-long visit, said China is the sixth largest economy in the world and Austria's largest trade partner in Asia.

He said the economic and trade cooperation between the Austria and China has produced significant results over the past years, adding that the two also enjoyed smooth cooperation in other fields including personnel training and judicature.

He said the Austrian government will remain committed to the one-China policy and his government will continue to work with China to deepen the friendship between the two countries.

Schuessel arrived here Tuesday for a week-long official visit to China. He will also head to South China's island province Hainan for the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia and visit Shanghai and east China's Jiangsu Province.