On October 26, 2021, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs Wu Hongbo attended upon invitation the National Day Reception held by the Austrian Embassy in China.

Wu Hongbo said in his speech that 50 years ago, China and Austria, despite geographical distance, and differences in history and culture, political system and development level, formally established diplomatic ties and realized the linkage across Eurasia. Fifty years later, China-Austria relations have made great progress thanks to the joint efforts of both sides and the friendship between the two peoples has become even stronger. China and Austria should continue to enhance mutual understanding and trust on the basis of mutual respect and treating each other as equals, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, actively promote people-to-people exchanges and constantly enrich the connotation of China-Austria friendly strategic partnership.

Wu Hongbo said, October 26 is not only Austria's National Day, but also the day that Austria declared its permanent neutrality. Austria's commitment to resolutely upholding world peace and firmly safeguarding multilateralism is highly compatible with China's. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China's restoration of its lawful seat in the United Nations. China is ready to work with Austria to practice true multilateralism and jointly promote world peace and development. The Olympic flame has once again been lit in Beijing, and the much-anticipated Beijing Olympic Winter Games will be held early next year. China welcomes Austria's active participation in and support for the Beijing Olympic Winter Games and will take this opportunity to further deepen and expand China-Austria cooperation in the ice and snow industry.

Austrian Ambassador to China Andreas Riecken said, 2021 is a special year for Austria and China, 50 years after the two countries formally established diplomatic ties. Over the past 50 years, the two countries have been deepening bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, culture, science and technology, and the common interests shared by the two sides have been expanded continuously. Not long ago, Austria's new Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and new Foreign Minister Michael Linhart were formally sworn in. Austria is committed to maintaining the continuity of its foreign policy and is ready to work with China to push for greater development of Austria-China friendly strategic partnership and EU-China relations.

Wu Hongbo also exchanged views with Riecken on China-Austria relations and China-EU relations.