# China diplomatic engagement and Montenegro economic updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-diplomatic-engagement-in-montenegro-croatia-and-uzeb
> Updated: 2026-10-18T17:07:46.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conducted high-level diplomatic visits to Montenegro and Croatia to strengthen bilateral relations. In Montenegro, the visit marked the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with discussions centered on economic cooperation, trade, tourism, and infrastructure projects. In Croatia, the visit represented the first official trip by a Chinese foreign minister in 33 years, focusing on deepening economic ties and reaffirming the ‘one China’ policy.

Following these visits, diplomatic engagement continued with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović meeting Wang Yi in Beijing. During this meeting, Milatović reaffirmed Montenegro’s adherence to the one-China principle. Simultaneously, Chinese Premier Li Qiang engaged in high-level meetings in Uzbekistan with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Abdulla Niyazovich Aripov. To mark the upcoming 35th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, China and Uzbekistan signed multiple cooperation agreements spanning trade, education, health, e-commerce, and climate.

Building on these relations, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović held discussions with Wang Yi regarding bilateral cooperation in road infrastructure. Key projects discussed included the progress of the Bar–Boljare highway and the reconstruction of the Đurđevića Tara Bridge by Chinese companies, which Spajić described as a ‘symbol of the connectivity and partnership’ between the two nations. While exploring economic, tourism, and cultural cooperation, Spajić reaffirmed Montenegro’s strategic priority of joining the European Union, expressing the ambition to become the 28th EU member by 2028. At the EU-Montenegro Investment Conference (AIM 2026) in Herceg Novi, Spajić reported that Montenegro attracted 544 million euros in foreign direct investment during the first seven months of the year, though he noted that over half was directed toward real estate.

## Claims

- Montenegro has launched 14 partnership projects and adopted 10 memorandums. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Wizz Air opened 17 new lines to European destinations from Podgorica. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Montenegro received 544 million euros in foreign direct investment from January to July. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than half of the foreign direct investment was invested in real estate. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A 25 million euro contract exists between CGES and the French Development Agency (AFD). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gert Jan Kopman stated that completing EU negotiations by the end of the year is a realistic goal. (single source)
- The AFD contract is intended for the modernization of the Perućica and Pljevlja 2 substations. (single source)
- Montenegro ranked first among European destinations for reputation and visitor satisfaction in April. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Montenegro reports 544 million euros in foreign investment

Montenegro's Prime Minister announced 544 million euros in foreign direct investment for early 2024, driven by real estate and aviation, while seeking expanded energy partnerships with France.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-and-china-strengthen-ties-through-infrastructure-and-diplomacy

### 2026-10-18: China strengthens diplomatic ties through visits to Montenegro and Uzbekistan

Chinese officials conducted high-level diplomatic visits to Montenegro and Uzbekistan, strengthening bilateral ties and signing various cooperation agreements in sectors such as trade, health, and climate.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-strengthens-diplomatic-ties-through-visits-to-montenegro-and-uzbekistan

### 2026-10-16: Wang Yi conducts historic diplomatic visits to Montenegro and Croatia

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Montenegro and Croatia, marking historic diplomatic milestones and discussing enhanced economic, infrastructure, and trade cooperation with both nations.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinas-foreign-minister-wang-yi-visits-croatia-for-first-official-trip-in-33-years

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Cite as: China diplomatic engagement and Montenegro economic updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-diplomatic-engagement-in-montenegro-croatia-and-uzeb