- Published: 28.05.2026.
Croatian Statehood Day and Armed Forces Day Celebration in Beijing
On this occasion, Ambassador Dario Mihelin emphasized that the Republic of Croatia celebrates its Statehood Day on May 30, marking the constituent session of the modern multi-party Croatian Parliament in 1990, following first democratic elections, that later that year adopted Croatia’s Constitution and, after the independence referendum held in May 1991, all the subsequent decisions on Croatia’s statehood and regained independence. Also, on the very day of the concert, the Day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia is celebrated, marking the first assembly of Croatian self-defence forces in Zagreb, 35 years ago.
Expressing his pleasure that we are celebrating these significant occasions in Beijing with our dear friends, partners and associates from the state institutions of the People's Republic of China, the diplomatic community, the business, artistic and media communities, and especially with Croatians living in China, the Ambassador introduced Croatian musicians: “The Sandra Halužan Quartet, through a distinctive musical language at the intersection of jazz, improvisation and traditional music of the Croatian Zagorje region, takes us to this hilly and lush region north of the Croatian capital. There we find everything a true fairy tale must have: forests, castles and manors, museums, thermal springs, churches, vineyards and wine routes, delicious food, nice people, stories, legends and “popevke”, traditional songs in one of the three main Croatian regional dialects, Kajkavian.
Ambassador Mihelin also expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the realization of this event, including the Chinese representative of the Badel company, for their contribution in Croatian wines, as well as to the Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board for their generous support in donating “licitar hearts”, tokens intended to express affection for friends and loved ones. This is a custom that dates back to the 16th century, and the art of making them has been included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, the ambassador noted.
Before the concert began, a special greeting was extended to the distinguished guests: Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, Major General Zhang Chao from the Academy of Military Sciences of the Chinese Army, and Ambassadors Huo Yuzhen, Chen Guoyou, Yue Xiaoyong, and Xu Erwen, who were invited to join the Ambassador and Military Attaché, Brigadier General Neda Punek-Gobec, along with all the guests, in toasting with Croatian wine.
The visibly enthusiastic audience rewarded the Croatian musicians with the loud applauses between the performances and at the end of the concert: Sandra Halužan, vocals, saxophone, clarinet, and Indian double flute, Diego Antonio Ortiz on piano, Bojan Skočilić on double bass, and Antun Profeta on drums.
The performance of the Sandra Halužan Quartet was held with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and its Independent Sector for Public and Cultural Diplomacy. The event confirmed the strong and friendly ties between the two countries and highlighted the successful international visibility of Croatian culture, demonstrated by the attendance of more than hundred guests.