China's first diplomatic envoy to Costa Rica in 60 years has formally taken up his post.
Chinese business attache Wang Xiaoyuan presented his papers to Costa Rican officials Monday in the capital, San Jose.
China's state-run Xinhua news agency says Wang told reporters the new diplomatic relationship will benefit both Chinese and Costa Ricans. He said Beijing is willing to negotiate a free trade agreement and strengthen cooperation in trade and investment with San Jose.
The countries restored relations June 1 after Costa Rican President Oscar Arias announced he was breaking ties with Taiwan.
Chinese nationalists on the island of Taiwan split from the mainland government after a civil war in 1949. Taipei and Beijing have since been competing for diplomatic recognition around the world.
China is increasingly gaining allies through investment and aid to underdeveloped countries.
Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.