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UN General Assembly: 141 States Condemn Russian Aggression and Rights Violations against Ukraine
By a large majority, the UN General Assembly has condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. 141 states voted in favor of a resolution to this effect and demanded Russia's withdrawal from the country. Austria was represented by its UN Ambassador.
March 2, 2022
EU - African Union Summit as Driver for Strengthened Economic Partnership between African Countries and Austria
Austria plans to use the upcoming European Union - African Union Summit as a means to strengthen the economic partnership between African countries and Austria. Read more about Austria's plans for strengthening cooperation with Africa.
February 15, 2022
Huawei's 5G Network Technology in Austria: Systemic Rival at the Gate to Europe
While all eyes in Europe are focused on the Russia-Ukraine side conflict, the true war is raging elsewhere, namely in network technology between China and the West. This technology war is about nothing less than the global security-technological leadership role of the next decades, and thus about the decisive question of whether the Western democratic world order can assert itself or whether the Chinese authoritarian system with totalitarian surveillance will prevail. Due to its relative weakness, Austria plays an important and central key role in this process. While most Western countries are increasingly and decidedly resisting the deployment of the 5G network infrastructure largely supplied by Huawei and ZTE - which are intricately owned and substantially controlled by the Chinese Communist Party - there are quite a few telecom providers in Austria who are using and even expanding this technology, primarily because their economic survival is already dependent on this technology, and secondly because the Austrian state is largely toothless and ignorant in the face of the push by the Chinese equipment suppliers and their lobbyists.
February 9, 2022 · Updated: February 9, 2022; 21:56
IAEA to Assess Safety of Japan Dumping Fukushima's Radioactive Cooling Water into Sea
A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will go to Japan to conduct a review of the safety of the Japanese government's decision to dump radioactive cooling water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean. Read about the review and who opposes Japan's decision.
February 7, 2022
Lunar New Year 2022: Austria's Chinese Community Welcomes the Year of the Tiger
People around the world recently celebrated the ushering in of the Year of the Tiger. Read more about the Lunar New Year, one of the most important Chinese holidays.
February 3, 2022
Ai Weiwei at the Albertina Modern: "In Search of Humanity"
A new exhibition at the Albertina Modern entitled "In Search of Humanity" will display works by renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Learn more about the new exhibition and see some of the pieces that will be on display.
February 2, 2022
"National Carrier" in German Ownership is Proud to Fly the Austrian Olympic Team to Beijing
The "Austrian Airlines" aircraft with flight number OS63, chartered by the Austrian Olympic Team, took off from Vienna Airport to bring athletes including comprehensive equipment non-stop to Beijing.
January 28, 2022
Vienna Nuclear Talks: Direct Contacts between Tehran and Washington Possible
Iranian leadership has suggested that Iran may be open to meeting directly with U.S. officials for negotiations to revive the Iran Nuclear Deal. Read about this significant stance change and what it means for the JCPOA.
January 27, 2022
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About China's Permanent Mission to the UN and Other International Organizations in Vienna
The villa and park complex at Hohe Warte in Vienna Döbling, which was sold to the People's Republic of China in 2013 for a reported € 21 million, and in which its UN embassy has been located since 2020 under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Wang Qun, has a storied ownership history and already belonged to Hungarian-Habsburg high aristocrats, Yugoslavian war criminals and the City of Vienna, which used it as an orphanage and in which sexual child abuse was carried out.
January 25, 2022
Meet the New Italian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame
The new Ambassador of Italy to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame, presented his credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about the new ambassador.
January 17, 2022
Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States: Austria's Foreign Minister Calls for Concrete Action
"We finally need concrete progress towards nuclear disarmament according to the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but unfortunately the development is going in the wrong direction", says Alexander Schallenberg.
January 10, 2022
Austrian Government Opposes Boycott of the China Winter Olympics
The Austrian government has expressed its opposition to a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China. Read which countries support the boycott and what the Austrian government has said about it.
December 16, 2021
Priorities of Austrian Foreign Policy in the Face of Numerous Global Challenges in 2022
The Foreign Policy Committee of the Austrian National Council recently met to discuss some of the major global challenges going into 2022. Read which issues they discussed and Austria's stance on them.
December 15, 2021
International Organizations Continue to Favor Austria as Their Seat
The hosting of international organizations is of great importance for Austrian foreign policy, secures 19,000 jobs and has a gross value added effect of € 1.35 billion per year.
December 13, 2021
Who Is China's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna?
H. E. Mr. Wang Qun is Permanent Representative and Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Permanent Mission of the PRC People's Republic of China to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna.
December 12, 2021
After Pandemic Shock, Strong Upturn in Foreign Trade: China +26.4 %, USA +18 %
New data for January to September 2021 shows that Austria's foreign trade is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Read about Austria's improving trade figures.
December 10, 2021
Li Yong and UNIDO: The Career of a Mainland Chinese in a Multilateral Organization
With the departure of the Chinese Li Yong (70) from the helm of UNIDO, a golfing member of the Communist Party of China has left the influential post of Director General in a major multilateral institution after 8 years in office.
December 9, 2021
Towards a Powerful European Security and Defense Policy to Counter Authoritarian Regimes
"We are in a systemic rivalry with authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China and must make every effort to defend the international rules-based order. It is a matter of protecting the principles of international law, human rights and the international peace order." Against the backdrop of events in Afghanistan, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen argues for the expansion of Europe's military competencies.
December 8, 2021
Controversial Chinese 5G Network Operator Huawei Appointed New Austria CEO
The Mainland Chinese Harvey Zhang (38) has been appointed CEO of Huawei Technologies Austria, effective immediately. He replaces Jackie Zhang (38), who was appointed as the new Austria boss just a few months ago.
December 1, 2021
Beijing's Influence Towards Austria: Visit by Wan Gang, the High-Level Leader of the Overseas Chinese Voice
Wan Gang, a high-ranking Chinese politician, engineer and Chairman of the China Zhi Gong Party (Sub-organization of United Front of China) visited Austria to consolidate the network of benevolent institutions, agencies and patriotic overseas Chinese and to strengthen China's economic and political influence.
November 30, 2021
Iran Nuclear Talks to Resume November 29 in Vienna
The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) talks between China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Tehran on reviving the Iran nuclear deal will convene in a physical format on 29 November 2021 in Vienna, the EU says.
November 5, 2021
Call for Solidarity for China Sanctioned States Including Taiwan
A motion for a resolution was filed in the Austrian Parliament calling for the Austrian government to support countries, such as Taiwan, sanctioned by China for supporting democracy, human rights, and other global values. Read about the motion and the reasoning behind it.
October 21, 2021
EU Support to Western Balkans as Repulsion against China and Turkey
European heads of state and government that make up the European Council, including Chancellor Kurz, met in Slovenia for informal talks and the Western Balkans Summit. In addition to other issues, the leaders discussed the accession of Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Kosovo to the EU. Read more about what Kurz and the EU said about the enlargement process.
October 6, 2021
50th Anniversary: Diplomatic Relations between China and Austria
To commemorate the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Austria, the Austrian Post (Österreichische Post) has now also issued a special postage stamp.
August 30, 2021
Taiwan and Austria: Current State of Political and Trade Relations
The relations between Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), and Austria are developing stably despite the current tensions in the South China Sea.
June 1, 2021
China and Austria: Extension of Climate Neutrality Research Agreement
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Austria, the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang and Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler extend the agreement for cooperation in research and technology in the field of climate neutrality.
June 1, 2021
Chinese Ambassador to Austria Receives Grand Decoration of Honor
Ambassador Li Xiaosi from the People's Republic of China has been awarded the Grand Decoration of Honor for his Servicer to the State of Vienna by Mayor Michael Ludwig.
May 27, 2021
Meet the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vienna or How to (not) Be an Embassy
The increased geopolitical tensions around the diplomatic status of Taiwan can even be felt in the otherwise tranquil Vienna diplomatic scene as Taiwan’s representation in Austria demonstrates.
May 12, 2021
Ambassador to China Appointed New CEO of the Austrian Development Agency
Friedrich Stift succeeds Martin Ledolter as CEO of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). Who is Dr. Friedrich Stift and what is his background?
May 5, 2021
Why Austria Is NOT One of the Best Countries in the World
Why a top "Quality of Life" rating is not enough to rank among the "best" countries in the world, and why expat destinations like Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and even Switzerland are uncatchable ahead of Austria.
April 30, 2021
Vienna Stock Exchange: Introduction of 13 Asian Companies
The Vienna Stock Exchange has expanded its offering on the global market by three Chinese and ten Japanese stocks. This addition was made after recently recording a growing demand for Asian shares. Among the new companies offered are the technology group Fujifilm and the pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical.
April 29, 2021
Message to Viktor Orban: "We will not subject ourselves to the political whims of one man and his regime"
Central European University (CEU) deplores the proposed amendment to the Act on National Higher Education and believes the government has no intention of creating the conditions in which international institutions can operate freely in Hungary.
April 21, 2021
Vienna Hosts Discussion Over Iran Nuclear Agreement
High representatives of the EU, China, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Iran and the United States have come to Vienna in order to discuss a possible revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran Nuclear Agreement. Although progress was made, the path to a final decision might be long.
April 12, 2021
Schallenberg at FAC: "Turkey Keeps Taking Steps to Cause Trouble"
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the other EU Foreign Ministers have met in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council. Sanctions against China for human rights violations, the EU relations with Turkey as well as the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic were on the agenda.
March 24, 2021
Austrian Airlines Resumes Operations with London and Tel Aviv
After the landing ban for passengers from the United Kingdom imposed by the Austrian government and the generally difficult air traffic situation with Israel in recent weeks, travel to London and Tel Aviv can now once again be offered by Austrian Airlines. Connections to China will, however, be suspended until April 9, 2021.
March 24, 2021
Investment Agreement with China Opens Doors
The European Union and China have agreed on a joint investment agreement. The core elements of the "Comprehensive Agreement on Investment" (CAI) include better market access, sustainability and a level playing field for European and Chinese companies. Considering the fact that China will be the biggest economy of the world in the near future, the agreement opens doors to a huge market.
December 30, 2020
Schallenberg Wants to Work Shoulder to Shoulder with United States
At the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU in Brussels the Foreign Ministers discussed transatlantic relations, the continuing tensions with Turkey and current trouble spots such as Ethiopia and Belarus. Austria's Minister Schallenberg hopes for improved relations between the United States and the EU in the near future.
December 7, 2020
Hong Kong Economist: How China Will Implement the National Security Law
Insightful conversation about the current economic crisis in Hong Kong, which was triggered by the National Security Law and the Coronavirus, which was conducted between the Austrian diplomat and former ambassador in Beijing, Irene Giner Reichl and the Hong Kong Economist and Lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chi Lo.
November 20, 2020
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Chinese Embassy in Vienna
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Austria is located at Metternichgasse 4 in the 3rd district of Vienna, near the Belvedere Palace. The building in which the Embassy is located is also known as Palais Bratmann-Thorsch and was formerly the residence of Austrian-Jewish industrialists and bankers.
November 11, 2020
European Council Decides on Sanctions Against Belarus
The European Council which was attended by the heads of the 27 member countries decided on sanctions against Belarus as well as a threat of sanctions against Turkey. Chancellor Kurz, Autria's representative at the Council, is satisfied with the two-day long discussions.
October 5, 2020
EU Special Summit Deals with Foreign Policy Issues
The EU government heads have come together to discuss foreign policy issues in Brussels. Chancellor Kurz is representing Austria at the meeting and has already met with Council President Michel, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Borrell and Commission President von der Leyen.
October 1, 2020
Austria Lifts Landing Bans for Airplanes from All 18 Countries that were Previously Banned
The previous landing bans for aircraft from 18 countries expired on 1 August 2020. From now on, new entry regulations will apply, requiring a mandatory Covid 19 test. There are exceptions for diplomats and some other groups.
August 1, 2020
Landing Ban at Austrian Airports Extended from 10 to 18 Countries
In the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Austria will reinforce the landing bans for aircraft from COVID-19 risk areas as of Thursday, 16 July. Thus, landing bans will apply to aircraft from the following countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Iran, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, United Kingdom and Ukraine.
July 14, 2020
Austrian Airlines Extends Short-Time Work and Temporary Cessation of Flight Operations
Due to the global developments in connection with the Coronavirus and the continuing restrictions on travel, Austrian Airlines is extending the short-time working model for its 7,000 employees by a further month until May 19, 2020. Also, Austrian Airlines prolongs the cessation of its regular scheduled flight operations for an additional two weeks until May 17, 2020.
April 17, 2020
Austria Suspends Travel also with Great Britain, Russia, the Netherlands and Ukraine
After Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France, Iran and parts of China, Austria is now also discontinuing air and rail traffic with Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia and Ukraine.
March 15, 2020
Austrian Airlines Cancels Further Flights to Italy, China and Iran Still Suspended
Due to falling demand for flights to Italy as a result of the corona crisis, Austrian Airlines is cancelling 40 percent of its flights to Italy in March and April. Flights to Tehran (Iran) will continue to be suspended until 30 April 2020 and flights to Beijing and Shanghai (China) until 24 April 2020.
March 3, 2020
Austria - China Travel Warning: High Security Risk
The Austrian Foreign Ministry has raised its travel warning level for Mainland China to "security level 4", in other words "high security risk". Austrian Airlines offers rebooking and refunding options.
February 29, 2020
What Vienna Can Learn from Wuhan
The Chinese authorities learned from the SARS crisis of 2003-2004 and acted quickly and decisively to contain the threat of the new COVID-19 virus to public health. The rapidly increasing number of cases of infection has put enormous strain on the local health system. An unprecedented rescue mission of a population six times the size of Vienna and a nationwide campaign against the epidemic began. Since the end of February, the number of confirmed new cases in Wuhan has been declining.
February 29, 2020
No More Direct Flights Between Beijing and Vienna
Because of the coronavirus crisis, Air China has now also temporarily suspended all flights between Beijing and Vienna. AUA Austrian Airlines already suspended all flights to China on 6 February 2020 - provisionally until the end of the winter flight schedule.
February 26, 2020
Business with China Slumps: Chamber of Commerce Sets Up Coronavirus Hotline
Because of the coronavirus crisis, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) is now also reacting and setting up an auxiliary hotline for the approximately 1,000 affected companies in the Austrian-Chinese trade.
February 23, 2020