Asian Expats in Austria | Asians in Vienna | Bilateral Relations - Vindobona.org

China's Ambassador Qi Mei Meets with Minister Hanke to Discuss Infrastructure and the Silk Road Initiative

Cooperation between China and Austria in important future-oriented areas was the focus of a meeting in Vienna between Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) and Chinese Ambassador H.E. Qi Mei.

Yesterday

Vienna, a Hub for Espionage since the Cold War

For several historical and geographical reasons, Vienna has a long and distinguished history as a center of espionage. During the Cold War, Vienna gained particular significance as a hotspot for espionage, but even after the end of the Cold War, this status has continued and has even intensified in recent years.

September 26, 2025

Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Welcomes Chinese Counterpart with Focus on Geopolitics and Trade

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Vienna to deepen bilateral relations and discuss global challenges. The meeting, which was also documented by media representatives, underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

September 16, 2025

Taliban Representatives Support Austria in Deportations

A delegation from the Afghan Taliban regime has held talks with the Austrian Interior Ministry in Vienna to help identify Afghans who are scheduled for deportation. The cooperation, which the Interior Ministry describes as “necessary” for the deportation of criminals, has been sharply criticized by human rights organizations.

September 11, 2025

Chinese Ambassador QI Mei Meets Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, QI Mei, and the Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sport, Andreas Babler, met for bilateral talks in Vienna. The aim of the meeting was to discuss bilateral relations and other topics of mutual interest.

September 7, 2025

Bajaj-Teaser Causes a Stir: Will KTM's Future be Manufactured in India?

The relaunch of the long-established motorcycle manufacturer KTM after overcoming insolvency is being overshadowed by new uncertainties. Statements made by Rajiv Bajaj, CEO of Indian major shareholder Bajaj Auto, have sparked a heated debate about the future of the production site in Mattighofen.

September 3, 2025

Celebration of the 98th Anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the Chinese Embassy in Vienna

A formal reception was held in Vienna to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy, brought together Ambassador Qi Mei and Defense Attaché Ji Xinqi, as well as high-ranking Austrian generals and guests from various sectors of society.

August 10, 2025

Chinese Ambassador QI Mei Strengthens Relations During Working Visit to Salzburg

China's ambassador to Austria, QI Mei, used the Salzburg Festival as an opportunity to strengthen relations between China and Austria. She paid an official working visit to the province of Salzburg, which was marked by political exchange, cultural diplomacy, and economic cooperation.

August 3, 2025

Austria's Clear Stance on Gaza: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Defends Call for Ceasefire

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has reiterated her support for a joint statement by 28 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip, declaring it to be “clear government policy.”

July 23, 2025

North Korea Appoints New Ambassador to Austria

North Korea has reportedly named veteran diplomat Kyong Hak Min as its new ambassador to Austria, a move that could see him also represent Pyongyang at international organizations in Vienna.

July 22, 2025

An Ambassador Without a State: Manizha Bakhtari's Fight for Afghan Women

Vienna's Filmcasino hosted the powerful new documentary "The Last Ambassador," spotlighting Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan's Ambassador to Austria. The film portrays Bakhtari's extraordinary decision to continue serving the Afghan people despite no longer representing a recognized government, offering a poignant look into her unwavering commitment in the face of her homeland's collapse under Taliban rule.

July 15, 2025

Myanmar Takes Over Chairmanship of ASEAN Committee in Vienna

Myanmar has assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna (ACV). Ambassador Min Thein of Myanmar has pledged to continue ongoing initiatives and further strengthen the unity and commitment of the diplomatic missions of the ASEAN countries in Vienna. The handover took place during the 63rd meeting of the committee, which was chaired by Laos' chargé d'affaires in Austria, Viengxay Thammavong.

July 15, 2025

Chinese Embassy Hosts Traditional Summer Festival for China Alumni in Austria

The Chinese Embassy in Austria hosted its annual summer party for China-Alumni. Around 100 guests from various professional fields attended the event, which celebrated the deep ties and cultural exchange between China and Austria.

July 10, 2025

Chinese Ambassador QI Mei emphasizes the Role of Chinese companies in Austria

Ambassador QI Mei, China's diplomatic representative in Austria, emphasized the importance of the Chinese business community in deepening bilateral economic relations with Austria. Central to this was her participation in the 2025 annual meeting of the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Austria, which focused on close cooperation and commitment to joint development.

July 2, 2025

UNOOSA and Exolaunch Enable Satellite Launches for Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal

In a move to promote equal access to space, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Exolaunch GmbH have announced that institutions from Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal have been selected to launch their CubeSats.

July 1, 2025

“Tea for Harmony” in Vienna: Chinese Embassy Invites Guests to Intercultural Tea Salon

The elegant premises of the Chinese Embassy hosted the “Tea for Harmony" Yaji Cultural Salon on International Tea Day. Around 50 guests from the worlds of politics, business, science, and culture enjoyed an evening dedicated to the millennia-old Chinese tea culture—a symbol of harmony, modesty, and exchange between civilizations.

May 29, 2025

New Natural Gas Well in Upper Austria: ADX Expands Exploration Area in Molln

The Australian-Austrian energy company ADX Energy has received approval from the Austrian authorities to significantly expand its exploration area in the Upper Austrian district of Kirchdorf an der Krems. The measure relates in particular to the so-called Welchau area in the municipality of Molln, which had already come into focus last year with an initial well.

May 23, 2025

Van der Bellen Visits Japan: Focus on Business Delegation and EXPO 2025

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Japan, accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation of around 150 people. The four-day trip - organized in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber - is all about deepening bilateral economic and diplomatic relations.

May 22, 2025

China's Ambassador Qi Mei Deepens Bilateral Relations with Austria

Ambassador Qi Mei used May 2025 to intensify diplomatic and cultural rapprochement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Austria. In addition to political meetings at the highest level, important educational and cultural events also took place, underlining the efforts of both countries to strengthen their cooperation in the long term.

May 21, 2025

Thai Anantara Celebrates Debut in Austria with New Luxury Resort in Vienna

With the reopening of the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, the Thai hotel group Anantara Hotels & Resorts opened its first hotel in Austria in May 2025. The historic building on Schottenring, originally designed by architect Theophil Edvard von Hansen for the 1873 World Exhibition, has been extensively renovated over the past 18 months and repositioned as an urban luxury resort.

May 20, 2025

New Panda Ambassadors in Vienna: Chinas “Fluffy Diplomats” Renew Friendship with Austria

The two giant pandas “Lan Yun” and “He Feng” were officially welcomed to Schönbrunn Zoo with much media attention and political prominence. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Li Hongzhong, Vice President of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, participated in the ceremony - a strong diplomatic signal in a globally complex time.

May 18, 2025

UNOOSA and Singapore Agree on Cooperation in the Field of Space Law

The United Nations and Singapore have announced a new partnership under the “Space Law for New Space Actors” project. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Singapore's Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) are working together to support the development of a national legal framework for space activities. This initiative aims to align Singapore's emerging space sector with international standards.

May 14, 2025

Meet Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Vienna's diplomatic stage has a new prominent representative: Her Excellency Pattarat Hongtong has been Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna for some time now.

May 13, 2025

Strengthening the Economic Bridge Between China and Austria at the 15th Investment Seminar in Vienna

The 15th seminar on “Austria as an investment location” took place in the Austrian capital in the context of growing economic ties between China and Europe. The event was organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Vienna, under the direction of Ambassador Qi Mei. The high-caliber event brought together representatives from Austrian federal authorities, economic institutions, and federal states as well as numerous executives from Chinese companies operating in Austria.

April 21, 2025

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi Visits China

During a week-long visit to China, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), achieved significant progress in enhancing cooperation between the IAEA and China. The discussions focused on promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, supporting sustainable development in the Global South, and advancing innovative nuclear technologies.

April 15, 2025

India's Finance Minister Visits Vienna to Intensify Trade and Economic Partnership

The visit of Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Vienna marks a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations between Austria and India. The talks with Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer focused on strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of digitalization, green technologies, and the exchange of skilled workers.

April 15, 2025

FACC Recovers Millions Lost in Sophisticated Fraud Scheme: Spotlight on China’s Role in International Asset Recovery

Austrian aerospace manufacturer FACC, based in Ried im Innkreis, has finally recovered €10.8 million, nearly a decade after falling victim to one of the largest corporate fraud cases in the country's history. The case, which involved deceptive emails, impersonation of top executives, and complex international money transfers, not only reshaped the company’s internal controls but also tested the limits of global legal cooperation—especially between Austria and China, where a portion of the stolen money had been frozen for years.

April 10, 2025

Economic Dialogue with a Signaling Effect: China and Austria Intensify Cooperation

Economic relations between the People's Republic of China and Austria have taken a significant step forward. The focus was on the official visit of a high-ranking Chinese business delegation led by Ren Hongbin, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), accompanied by intensive talks with political decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and institutions in Vienna.

April 7, 2025

China's Ambassador QI Mei in Dialogue with Austrian Parliamentary Leadership

The Chinese Ambassador to Austria, QI Mei, held important diplomatic talks with leading representatives of the Austrian Parliament to further deepen bilateral relations between China and Austria. Within a few days, the Ambassador held talks with the two top representatives of the Austrian legislature - National Council President Dr. Walter Rosenkranz and Federal Council President Dr. Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler.

April 6, 2025

China's Ambassador Visits the Austrian Theatres-Holding in Vienna

The recent visit of Chinese Ambassador Qi Mei to the Bundestheater-Holding underlines the increasing importance of cultural exchange between Austria and China. The focus is on joint theater projects, artist exchanges, and the strengthening of bilateral relations in the performing arts.

April 2, 2025

India and the IAEA Intensify Cooperation: Focus on Nuclear Energy for Development and Health

During a high-level visit to India, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is strengthening cooperation with New Delhi in the areas of nuclear energy, training and the fight against cancer. A new hub for cancer treatment, a course in nuclear technology, and a clear geopolitical signal are the focus.

April 1, 2025

Ambassador Qi Mei Visits the University of Vienna: Sinology as a Bridge between China and Austria

In the spirit of bilateral relations between China and Austria, the Chinese Ambassador to Austria, Qi Mei, paid an official visit to the Department of East Asian Studies and Sinology at the University of Vienna. Her visit underlined the growing importance of academic exchange and intercultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

April 1, 2025

Meet Andrew Williams: New Zealand's New Top Diplomat in Austria

Andrew Williams took up his post as New Zealand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Presentative to the International Organization in Vienna. His impressive career in the diplomatic service and his expertise in international law make him a prominent figure on the international stage.

March 20, 2025

Meet Vietnam's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna

Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang takes office as Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to Austria. His diplomatic career demonstrates extensive experience in international relations, strategic diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Meet Vietnam's top diplomat in Vienna.

March 14, 2025

UNODC Reports That Opium Prices in Afghanistan Reach Historic Highs

The price of opium in Afghanistan soared to $750 per kilogram in 2024, marking a tenfold increase compared to the $75 per kilogram price in 2022 before the country’s de facto authorities imposed a strict drug ban. This data comes from a new report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

March 14, 2025

Meet Japan's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria

Iwama Kiminori has been serving as Japan's Ambassador to Austria for some time. With an impressive diplomatic career and extensive international experience, he aims to further expand and deepen the traditionally good relations between Japan and Austria. Meet Ambassador Iwama Kiminori, the top diplomat of Japan in Vienna.

March 13, 2025

Increasing Risk of Espionage for Austrian IT Companies

Austrian companies are increasingly being targeted by foreign intelligence services. According to a recent study by the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) in the Ministry of the Interior, which was carried out in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Austrian Industries, almost one in ten companies stated that they had already been the victim of espionage. The IT sector is particularly affected. Experts also assume that the number of unreported cases is high.

March 13, 2025

Japan Business Talk: Lower Austria Prepares for Expo 2025 in Osaka

Lower Austria is intensifying its economic relations with Japan: At the “Japan Business Talk” event, high-ranking representatives from politics, science, and business discussed the opportunities and challenges of cooperation. The background to this is the upcoming business delegation trip to Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai.

March 12, 2025

UN in Vienna Warns: Europe Poorly Prepared for Dangerous Synthetic Drugs

The rapid spread of synthetic drugs poses a growing threat to public health and is fundamentally changing global drug black markets. The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in Vienna warns in its latest annual report that Europe is ill-prepared for this danger and that a coordinated, determined strategy is needed to combat the threat.

March 4, 2025

Taiwan Representation in Vienna Calls for International Support against Beijing's Isolation Tactics

Taiwan is under constant pressure from China. In addition to threatening military gestures, Beijing is increasingly relying on hybrid warfare to isolate the island republic internationally. A recent incident in which a Chinese ship is believed to have severed an undersea cable between Taiwan and the Penghu Islands highlights the vulnerability of the global communications infrastructure.

February 28, 2025

Chinese Ambassador Qi Mei Visited Styria: Deepening Bilateral Relations

The Chinese ambassador to Austria, Qi Mei, paid a working visit to Styria. Her visit focused on meetings with Governor Mario Kunasek and Provincial Parliament President Gerald Deutschmann, during which the positive developments in Styrian-Chinese relations.

February 24, 2025

Chancellor and Minister Schallenberg Attended Munich Security Conference

The 61st Munich Security Conference, held from February 14 to 16, 2025, served as a crucial platform for global leaders to address pressing international security challenges. Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the event, engaging in high-level discussions on key geopolitical issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

February 16, 2025

Gas Drilling in Molln: Economic Interests vs. Nature Conservation

The debate about gas drilling in Molln in the Kirchdorf district continues to intensify. While the Australian-Austrian company ADX Energy wants to expand its exploration efforts, opposition from environmental associations and political representatives is growing. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) has now issued a ruling that could have far-reaching consequences for future drilling projects.

February 13, 2025

AI Action Summit in Paris: Strengthening International Cooperation

The Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, held in Paris on February 10 and 11, brought together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of AI. As artificial intelligence continues to shape economies, industries, and societies worldwide, the summit aimed to establish a collaborative and ethical framework for its development. At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and State Secretary for Digitalization Claudia Plakolm participated in the discussions.

February 12, 2025

Chinese New Year Celebrations Strengthen Chinese-Austrian Friendship

The Chinese New Year was celebrated in Vienna with festive events underscoring the close diplomatic and cultural ties between China and Austria. The celebrations attracted not only high-ranking political representatives but also numerous members of the Chinese community and interested Viennese.

February 5, 2025

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Meets Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg in Vienna

Austria's Foreign Minister and interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg received his Australian counterpart Penny Wong for a bilateral working meeting in Vienna. This high-level visit marks another milestone in the strategic cooperation between Austria and Australia, which has been steadily deepening since the signing of the Agreement on Strategic Cooperation (ASCo) in 2021.

January 28, 2025

Talks Between Austria and the Taliban on Deportations to Afghanistan

The Austrian Ministry of the Interior has held talks at the official level with representatives of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to explore the possibility of returning rejected asylum seekers. A delegation consisting of two high-ranking officials from the ministry was in the Afghan capital Kabul for this purpose.

January 24, 2025

Japan's Ambassador Ryuta Mizuuchi Ends his Term of Office in Austria

A total of 167 guests from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, business, culture, and science gathered at the Hotel InterContinental Vienna to bid a worthy farewell to the Japanese Ambassador H.E. Ryuta Mizuuchi and his wife Dr. Akemi Mizuuchi.

December 22, 2024

OMV Abandons Plans to Sell Exploration Business in New Zealand

Following an intensive review, the Executive Board of OMV Aktiengesellschaft has decided not to pursue the sale process for the exploration and production (E&P) business in New Zealand. OMV New Zealand Limited will, therefore, remain part of the partly state-owned energy company's E&P portfolio.

December 17, 2024

Austria and Nauru: Working Together to Tackle Global Challenges

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Nauruan counterpart Lionel Rouwen Aingimea met in Vienna for a bilateral meeting. Topics such as climate change, the geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific, and global security issues took center stage.

December 17, 2024