Li Hongzhong, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with the President of the National Council of Austria Walter Rosenkranz in Vienna, Austria, on May 14, 2025. A Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, visited Austria from Sunday to Wednesday. (Xinhua/He Canling)

VIENNA, May 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, visited Austria from Sunday to Wednesday.

During his stay in the Austrian capital Vienna, Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the welcoming ceremony for the arrival of a new pair of giant pandas in Austria, with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stocker. Li also held separate talks with the President of the National Council of Austria Walter Rosenkranz, Second President Peter Haubner, and Third President Doris Bures.

The China-Austria friendly strategic partnership has maintained sound development under the guidance of the two heads of state, Li said, adding that the new round of international cooperation on giant panda protection and research has reflected the results of exchanges between the two countries.

While adhering to the principles of mutual respect and equal treatment, China and Austria should take into account each other's core interests and major concerns, and tap the potential for cooperation and promote mutual benefit and win-win results, Li said.

The senior Chinese legislator said the NPC is willing to strengthen exchanges with the National Council of Austria at all levels and in all fields to promote the development of relations between the two countries.

The Austrian side said Austria cherishes friendly relations with China, will firmly adhere to the one-China principle, and continuously promote practical Austria-China cooperation and exchanges between the two legislative bodies. ■

Li Hongzhong (2nd R), member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen (2nd L) and Chancellor Christian Stocker (1st L) attend a welcoming ceremony for the arrival of a new pair of giant pandas in Austria in Vienna, Austria, on May 14, 2025. A Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, visited Austria from Sunday to Wednesday. (Xinhua/He Canling)