Wang Yi meets Croatian leader, says China and EU are 'partners'

Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic as Beijing looks to bolster exchanges and collaboration with the country amid ongoing trade tensions with the European Union.

Plenkovic tells Wang that their bilateral ties continue to improve with mutual respect, highlighting Chinese enterprises' participation in infrastructure projects in Croatia.

The prime minister also welcomes the launch of direct flights between the two nations.

Wang notes China was among the first major countries to establish diplomatic relations with Croatia and it is willing to support each other's development.

In addition, Wang stresses China and the EU are partners, not rivals, adding their trade issues stem from the international division of labour and market demand.

He states Beijing stands ready to strengthen dialogue with the bloc to uphold free trade.