VIENNA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) — Europe needs to shed its nervous outlook on China’s rise and embrace reciprocal learning alongside balanced collaboration, according to Walter Rosenkranz, who leads Austria’s National Council, the lower chamber of Parliament.
His remarks land as Beijing and Vienna celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone that highlights how far bilateral ties have evolved since 1971. Rosenkranz framed the moment as an opportunity to reset Europe’s approach from apprehension toward partnership.
Speaking with Xinhua, Rosenkranz pointed to China’s rapid advances across numerous sectors, singling out renewable energy as a standout. “The EU and China must continue to deepen their cooperation while operating within a framework of fair rules,” he said.
European legislatures, he argued, should take the lead in constructing equitable regulatory frameworks. Such moves would help industries on both sides shed misperceptions, expand practical collaboration, and leverage each side’s strengths for mutual growth.
Rosenkranz recently headed a parliamentary delegation to China, marking his first trip there since assuming the presidency of the National Council. Austrian political factions, he noted, broadly agree on the need to strengthen exchanges with Beijing.
That visit exposed the delegation to China’s deep historical legacy and its modernization momentum, he added.
Bilateral legislative ties have grown steadily since the 1990s, with more than 60 exchanges between national parliamentary bodies, Rosenkranz said. He credited both nations for upholding multilateralism and international legal norms while pursuing development through win-win cooperation.
More than 650 Austrian firms now operate in China, proof of the partnership’s commercial force, he added.
Rosenkranz acknowledged a turbulent global landscape, citing climate change, artificial intelligence governance, and regional conflicts as shared tests. Deeper legislative dialogue, he suggested, could align governance approaches and strengthen rule-making for global challenges.
Young people, he said, will power the next phase of cooperation. Expanding youth and cultural exchanges would reinforce people-to-people bonds and inject fresh energy into the countries’ friendly strategic partnership.
