China, Austria agree to expand economic, political cooperation

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told Austrian Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel Wednesday that China welcomes Austrian investment and is ready to deepen economic cooperation with Austria.

Wen invited Austrian enterprises to take part in China's development of its western regions and the country's plan of rejuvenating its old industrial base in the northeast. "I especially hope the two countries' medium- and small-sized companies will improve cooperation."

Schuessel arrived in Beijing late Tuesday night, starting a week-long official visit to China aimed at promoting political and economic ties.

During an hour-long talk with Wen, Schuessel said Austria regards China as an important strategic partner. "China is the second largest trade partner of the European Union and the largest Asian trade partner of Austria."

He said the economy of Austria and China are highly compatible and the two can borrow from each other to boost economic growth.

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.

Wen said China is delighted with the smooth development of China-Austria relations. "Next year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. China would like to avail this opportunity to upgrade the bilateral ties to a new level."

He suggested the two countries boost bilateral ties by focusing on three aspects: maintaining high-level visits and communication among different departments, further probing the potential for economic cooperation, and improving exchanges on culture, education, science and technology.

Wen also highlighted China's relations with the European Union. "The EU has great influence and plays an important role in international affairs. It is also China's comprehensive strategic partner and the largest trade partner."

He said China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and is ready to enforce the political trust with it.

Wen also expressed China's appreciation to Austria for its positive attitude on lifting the EU's arms embargo against China.

Schuessel, whose country will take the EU rotating presidency in January 2006, said Austria and China share similar views on many international and regional issues and Austria will continue to promote the EU-China relations.

On the Taiwan issue, Wen said China appreciates Austria's consistent adherence to the one-China policy. He said he hoped Austria would understand and support China's efforts of maintaining national sovereignty and territorial integrity and realizing national reunification.

Schuessel said adherence to the one-China policy is one of the basic policies of the Austrian government, "a policy remains unchanged".

After talks, Wen and Schuessel witnessed the signing ceremony of five agreements covering education, animal quarantine and investment.

Schuessel 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.