China is Europe's partner, not source of its problems: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said a growing China is not the source of Europe's problems but a partner capable of helping resolve them, urging dialogue to settle trade disputes between Beijing and the European Union.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, according to a statement released by China's Foreign Ministry.

"A China that continues to develop and grow stronger is not the root cause of the problems facing Europe, but a partner and fellow traveler that can help Europe resolve them," Xi said.

He called on China and Austria to jointly uphold multilateralism, support free trade and oppose rising unilateralism and protectionism.

Xi urged Beijing and Brussels to resolve economic and trade friction through dialogue and consultation.

Marking 55 years of diplomatic relations, Xi said China was ready to expand cooperation with Austria in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, the digital economy and green development.

He said China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan would create fresh opportunities for foreign partners through industrial modernization and greater market access.

Stocker reaffirmed Austria's commitment to the one-China policy and expressed support for stronger EU-China relations.

He called for resolving trade disagreements through negotiations and pledged deeper cooperation in investment, technology and innovation.

Both leaders also emphasized cooperation on climate change, sustainable development and global stability.