On October 16, 2026 local time, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Zagreb.
Wang Yi stated that Croatia, an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, once promoted mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations. This is the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Croatia in 33 years, and it is also a reciprocal visit following Foreign Minister Radman’s visit to China last year. Over the years, China-Croatia relations have developed in a mature and steady manner, setting an example for relations between countries of different sizes. The success of China-Croatia relations is attributable to the two sides’ equal treatment, mutual respect, mutual trust, win-win cooperation, and friendship between the two peoples. This has also injected valuable certainty into the complex and volatile international landscape. China is ready to work with Croatia to take next year’s 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to review useful experience and create a better next 35 years. The two sides should jointly plan high-level exchanges for the next stage and push bilateral relations to new heights.
Wang Yi stated that China respects Croatia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Croatia in playing a constructive role in international and regional affairs, and appreciates Croatia’s long-standing commitment to the one-China policy, a commitment that has consolidated the political foundation for bilateral relations and opened broad prospects for bilateral cooperation.
Wang Yi stated that China is ready to work with Croatia to make good use of the “three engines” to achieve more results in bilateral cooperation. First, at the bilateral level, the two sides should make infrastructure and renewable energy two highlights and expand cooperation in new areas such as nuclear energy, ports, communications, and artificial intelligence. Second, at the regional level, China-Croatia cooperation should be driven by China-EU cooperation; the Pelješac Bridge is a successful example of trilateral cooperation among China, the EU, and Croatia. Third, at the sub-regional level, the two sides should advance China-CEEC cooperation. Croatia is a builder, contributor, and beneficiary of China-CEEC cooperation. China is ready to work with CEE countries to plan arrangements for the next stage and produce more practical results.
Wang Yi stated that China and the EU share extensive common interests: both advocate multilateralism, both uphold the central and leading role of the United Nations, and both are willing to resolve international and regional disputes through dialogue and political means. China and the EU also stand on the same side in addressing global issues such as climate change. The recent second meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism yielded positive progress, fully demonstrating that the two sides can resolve differences through equal dialogue. China is ready to deepen the connotation of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, and hopes that Croatia, as an EU member state, will play a constructive role in the development of China-EU relations.
Radman reviewed the development of Croatia-China relations over the more than 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He stated that Croatia attaches great importance to Croatia-China relations, respects China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has consistently abided by and will continue to firmly uphold the one-China policy, and will not participate in or support any “Taiwan independence” activities. Croatia is ready to work with China to take the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level. Croatia is willing to actively carry out cooperation with China in areas such as transportation and logistics, renewable energy, and automobile manufacturing. The recent opening of direct flights between Croatia and China has effectively promoted bilateral trade and personnel exchanges, injecting new impetus into cooperation between the two countries. Croatia is the hometown of Marco Polo and welcomes more Chinese tourists to visit Croatia. China has become an important force for safeguarding world peace and stability. As important cooperation partners, Europe and China have the responsibility to jointly uphold the international order and promote global security and development. Croatia values the CEEC-China cooperation framework, appreciates China’s organization of various mechanism activities, and looks forward to more results from cooperation that will bring more benefits to the peoples of both sides.
Radman shared his views on the situation in the Western Balkans. Wang Yi stated that Croatia is an important country in the Western Balkans, that China does not interfere in the internal affairs of Balkan countries and respects the choices made by the people of each country, and that China is ready to make friends and be a partner with Balkan countries. He expressed the hope that Balkan countries will live in harmony and build a better future together.
