According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, on October 16, 2026, local time, Croatian President Milanaović met with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Zagreb.
Miranović asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. He mentioned that China has undergone tremendous changes in recent decades, and its economic and social development has achieved remarkable achievements that have attracted worldwide attention. China's peaceful development is not a threat to other countries; all parties should view it objectively and rationally. Each country has its own systems and principles, and should not interfere with other countries' development paths and lifestyles. Instead, understanding and trust should be enhanced through dialogue and exchanges.
Miranović stated that there is a traditional friendship between Croatia and China, and the cooperation in various fields between the two sides has been very successful. The Croatian side attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels with China to promote mutually beneficial cooperation. I have long been concerned about China's foreign policy and fully understand China's positions and views. The Croatian side firmly adheres to the one-China policy, believing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping's kind regards to Milanović. He praised the President for his rational, pragmatic, and friendly approach to China's development and rejuvenation, and for his active efforts to seek mutual understanding with China. The President has long been committed to friendly relations with China. Wang Yi stated that China is a major Eastern country with a civilization heritage of five thousand years. China's spirit of peace dictates that we do not seek dominance at the expense of other countries, but instead adhere to win-win cooperation with all nations. President Xi Jinping has set forth the noble goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind. He believes that all countries should work together and share a common destiny, jointly caring for and building the only inhabited planet in the universe. China advocates for an orderly and equal multi-polar world, where all countries, regardless of size, are equal, and where international relations are based on the principles established by the United Nations Charter.
Wang Yi stated that China has found a development path that suits its national conditions, is supported by the people, and conforms to the trends of the times. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process, and the future will lead to a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous world. China's success is not only its own success but also the success of all countries in the South. The Chinese side is willing to view relations with Croatia from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to explore ways to further enhance bilateral relations on the basis of a comprehensive cooperative partnership.
Both sides exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang Yi stated that there are no fundamental conflicts of interests between China and Europe, and they can fully complement each other and achieve common prosperity. The European side has concerns regarding China's trade surplus with Europe, but this is the result of market demand and international division of labor. China and Europe are partners, not rivals; they should cooperate rather than confront each other. The achievements made in recent trade and investment consultations between China and Europe fully demonstrate that as long as both sides continue along the path of dialogue and negotiation, they can find mutually beneficial solutions.
Miranović said that Croatia is a member of the European Union. On one hand, it follows the EU’s common foreign and defense policies, and on the other hand, it strives to maintain its independence. Regarding the current differences between Europe and China in the economic and trade fields, I agree with the Chinese views. I believe that China’s strong competitiveness mainly comes from its efficient and comprehensive production organization methods. I believe that both sides can resolve the problems that arise during development through communication and dialogue, and reach a solution that satisfies all parties.
After the meeting, Wang Yi presented the Croatian-language edition of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" to Milanovic.
During his visit, Wang Yi also met with Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic and held talks with Croatian Foreign Minister Radman.
On October 16, 2026, local time, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Croatian Foreign Minister Lademann in Zagreb.
Wang Yi stated that Croatia is an important stop along the ancient Silk Road, and it has played a role in promoting mutual exchange between Eastern and Western civilizations. This is the first visit by a Chinese Foreign Minister to Croatia in 33 years, and it also marks a response to the visit of Croatian Foreign Minister Radman last year. Over the years, China-Croatia relations have developed smoothly and steadily, becoming a model of relations between countries of different sizes. The success of China-Croatia relations is due to equality, mutual respect, trust, cooperation, and friendly relations between the two sides. This has also provided valuable certainty in an international situation marked by turmoil. China is willing to work with Croatia to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, to summarize useful experiences, and to pave the way for an even better 35th year. Both sides should jointly plan high-level exchanges in the next stage, promoting bilateral relations to new heights.
Wang Yi stated that China respects Ghana's sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Ghana in playing a constructive role in international and regional affairs. China also appreciates Ghana's long-term adherence to the one-China policy. This has laid a solid political foundation for bilateral relations and opened up broad prospects for bilateral cooperation.
Wang Yi stated that China is willing to work with Croatia to make use of the "three major engines" to achieve more results in bilateral cooperation. First, at the bilateral level, efforts should be made to develop two key areas: infrastructure and renewable energy, while expanding cooperation in new fields such as nuclear energy, ports, communications, and artificial intelligence. Second, at the regional level, China-Croatia cooperation should be driven by Sino-European cooperation; the Pecești Bridge is a successful example of trilateral cooperation among China, Europe, and Croatia. Third, at the sub-regional level, China should promote cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries. Croatia is not only a builder and contributor to China’s cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, but also a beneficiary of this cooperation. China is willing to work with Central and Eastern European countries to plan the next stage of arrangements and achieve more practical results.
Wang Yi stated that China and Europe share extensive common interests, both advocate multilateralism, uphold the core role of the United Nations, and are willing to resolve international and regional disputes through dialogue politics. On global issues such as climate change, China and Europe also stand on the same side. The second regular meeting of the China-Europe Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism held not long ago made positive progress, which fully demonstrates that the two sides can resolve their differences through equal dialogue. China is willing to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with Europe, and hopes that Germany, as a member of the European Union, will play a constructive role in the development of China-Europe relations.
Ladman reviewed the development of relations between Croatia and China over the past 30 years, stating that Croatia attaches great importance to these relations. It respects China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has always adhered to, and will continue to firmly pursue, a one-China policy. Croatia will not participate in or support any "Taiwan independence" activities. Croatia is willing to take the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations as an opportunity to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level. Croatia is eager to carry out cooperation with China in areas such as transportation and logistics, renewable energy, and automobile manufacturing. Recently, the establishment of direct flights between Croatia and China has effectively promoted bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges, injecting new momentum into cooperation between the two countries. Croatia is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and it welcomes more Chinese tourists to visit Croatia. China has become an important force in maintaining world peace and stability. As important partners, Europe and China have the responsibility to jointly maintain international order and promote global security and development. Croatia values the framework for cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and China. It appreciates the efforts of China in organizing various mechanisms and activities, and hopes that more achievements can be made through cooperation, bringing greater benefits to the people of both sides.
Ladman introduced his views on the situation in the Western Balkans region. Wang Yi stated that Croatia is an important country in the Western Balkans region. China does not interfere in the internal affairs of Balkan countries, respects the choices made by the people of each country, and is willing to be friends and partners with Balkan countries. China hopes for harmonious relations among Balkan countries and works together to create a better future.
