Li Pledges To Respect EU Rules On Croatia Visit

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang discussed boosting business with leaders from eastern and central Europe in Croatia on Friday, pledging that his country was ready to open up its economy and would respect European Union standards.

The coastal city of Dubrovnik hosted the eighth annual "16+1" cooperation, which became "17+1" as Greece joined the economic platform for Beijing's investments in 12 European Union states and five Western Balkan countries.

The grouping has been eyed cautiously in western European capitals as an attempt to "divide and rule" the bloc, a goal that Li has repeatedly denied.

"We intend to cooperate and respect European standards," Li said at the summit's opening in Dubrovnik. "We all need to increase trade and connect our economies."

Eastern Europe is a core component of Beijing's vast "Belt and Road" project, valued at up to US$1 trillion and aimed at constructing land and sea links to allow Chinese exports to flow westward.

China has previously announced a US$10 billion credit line and US$3 billion investment fund for the region. (AFP)