On July 21, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman in Beijing.

Wang Yi said that Croatia was an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. China was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Croatia. The two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and pursued mutually beneficial cooperation. The high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, exemplified by the Pelješac Bridge, has achieved fruitful results, promoting a more mature and stable bilateral relationship and entering a new stage of high-level development. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Croatia comprehensive cooperative partnership. The two sides should take this opportunity to summarize experience and plan for the future in the spirit of openness, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, working to advance bilateral relations toward new progress and higher levels. Both sides should enhance exchanges at all levels, increase mutual understanding and mutual trust, continue to firmly respect and support each other, strengthen the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative with Croatia's development strategies, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields. China-CEEC cooperation is an important part of China-EU relations. China is ready to continue strengthening cooperation with Croatia based on the principles of openness, transparency, and mutual benefit. In the current international situation marked by changes and turbulence, the role of the United Nations should be strengthened, not weakened. Both countries should enhance multilateral coordination and cooperation, uphold multilateralism and free trade, and jointly address global challenges.

Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and that China-EU relations are now at a critical juncture. The key experience from the 50-year development of China-EU relations is to view each other as partners and stay committed to advancing cooperation and seeking win-win outcomes. A stable, sound, and positively growing China-EU relationship serves the fundamental interests and common aspirations of both sides. The two sides should stay true to the original aspiration, uphold the partnership and open cooperation, respect and learn from each other, properly manage differences through dialogue, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Wang Yi expressed the hope that Croatia will continue to play a constructive role in promoting China-EU cooperation.

Gordan Grlić Radman said that China was among the first countries to recognize Croatia's independence and sovereignty, and provided valuable support and assistance to Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic, for which Croatia is deeply grateful. China is a friend and partner of Croatia. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and China over 30 years ago, the two sides have advanced cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have maintained sound development. The Croatian government abides by its commitment made in the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, firmly upholds the one-China policy, and holds that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Croatia looks forward to enhancing high-level exchanges with China and strengthening cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, and connectivity. More Chinese citizens are welcome to visit Croatia. China is an indispensable and important economic and trade partner of Europe. Croatia supports the EU and China in resolving specific differences through constructive dialogue to promote the sustained and stable development of EU-China relations. China-CEEC cooperation is a beneficial platform for promoting economic, trade and investment cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries and China. Croatia will continue to actively support and participate in the cooperation. Croatia attaches great importance to and appreciates China's key role in promoting world peace and is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China.