Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Azerbaijan, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria to strengthen diplomatic ties and expand trade corridors. The trip, announced by China’s foreign ministry, includes a summit at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku. Wang will attend as a special representative of President Xi Jinping. The visit aims to reinforce China’s geopolitical influence in the Balkans and Central Asia.
Wang Yi’s itinerary includes stops in Croatia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria, where he will meet officials to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation. The focus of the trip is on enhancing trade and investment ties, as well as promoting China’s strategic interests in the region. The CICA summit in Azerbaijan will provide a platform for dialogue on security and economic collaboration.
This visit follows China’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in Europe and the Balkans. Recent diplomatic moves include sanctions against Paraguay and Belize over their ties to Taiwan, highlighting China’s growing assertiveness in regional affairs. The Balkans, with their strategic location, are seen as key to China’s efforts to diversify trade routes and counter Western influence. The trip underscores Beijing’s commitment to expanding its soft power and economic reach in the region.
