On February 22, 2011, Foreign Minster Yang Jiechi held talks with his visiting Austrian counterpart Michael Spindelegger in Beijing.

Yang hailed the remarkable development of bilateral ties since the two countries established diplomatic relations 40 years ago. He stressed that China appreciates the Austrian government's adherence to the one-China policy. He said both sides should see the 40th anniversary as a new starting point for maintaining traditional friendship, deepening political mutual trust, expanding cooperation and enhancing cultural exchanges, to strive for greater development of bilateral ties.

For his part, Spindelegger said the Austrian side attaches great importance to developing ties with China and he hoped both sides will strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields by taking the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

The two also exchanged views on some international and regional issues of common concern.