China Unexpectedly Recalls Ambassador to Austria

China’s ambassador to Austria, Qi Mei, is unexpectedly leaving her post and will depart Vienna next week.

The move comes in a significant year for bilateral relations, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Austria and China and ahead of several planned visits by senior Austrian officials to Beijing.

Qi Mei made one of her last public appearances only recently, attending a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a Vienna tea house. The event appeared designed to showcase what organizers described as the “softer side” of Chinese diplomacy and to promote Chinese culture to an Austrian audience.

Her departure comes shortly after the annual Austria-China Relations Day on 28 May and before several high-profile Austrian visits to China.

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Speaker of Parliament Walter Rosenkranz and Chancellor Christian Stocker are all expected to travel to Beijing later this year.

(diepresse, bak)