Summary
Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, held talks with Austrian National Council President Rosenkranz at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 31 August 2026. The two exchanged views on the China-Austria friendly strategic partnership, the outcomes of 55 years of diplomatic relations, and artificial intelligence governance. Rosenkranz said Austria adheres to the One-China policy, and deepening cooperation with China is a consensus across Austrian political parties.
He Wei attended.
Commentary
Both sides highlighted the multilateral trading system and agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence and the digital economy as China and Austria mark 55 years of diplomatic relations. For New Zealand SMEs, a softening of China-EU trade frictions through dialogue would likely reduce global supply chain volatility. Yet the spillover effects of EU industrial policy in electric vehicles and photovoltaics remain a risk, underscoring the need to diversify markets.
AI governance cooperation may accelerate the alignment of Chinese and European rules on AI ethics and cross-border data flows, but digital services and clean-technology firms entering these markets must factor in dual compliance costs. Whether Austria's political consensus translates into practical market access will depend on progress on the EU-China investment agreement.
Keywords: Zhao Leji, Rosenkranz, Austrian National Council, China-Austria relations, 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, artificial intelligence, One-China policy, National People's Congress
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand
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