On May 28, 2026, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that over the 55 years since diplomatic relations were established, China-Austria relations have weathered many challenges and maintained healthy and steady development. In 2018, he and President Alexander Van der Bellen jointly established a new positioning for the China-Austria friendly strategic partnership, opening a new stage in bilateral relations. Last May, a new pair of “panda envoys” debuted in Vienna, further deepening the friendship between the two peoples. At present, the international situation is marked by intertwined changes and turbulence. As promoters of world peace, supporters of multilateralism and defenders of free trade, China and Austria should work together to uphold mutual respect and trust, openness and inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. He attaches great importance to the development of China-Austria relations. He stands ready to work with President Alexander Van der Bellen to use the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to push bilateral relations to a new level, and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

Alexander Van der Bellen said that his 2018 state visit to China, during which he and President Xi upgraded bilateral relations to a friendly strategic partnership, was a major milestone. Over the past 55 years, cooperation between Austria and China has continued to deepen, with frequent interactions in people-to-people exchanges, education, scientific research, culture, economy and other fields, and the foundation of bilateral friendship has been continuously strengthened. At a time when the world becomes volatile and unstable, it is especially important for Austria and China to maintain broad contact, jointly uphold stability, and enhance mutual understanding. He hopes that both sides will work together to continuously deepen and upgrade bilateral relations.