MONROVIA – The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Yin Chengwu, has announced a new phase in China-Liberia relations, marked by promising development opportunities. Speaking at a reception themed “Keeping in Mind the Original Aspirations of China-Liberia Relations to Move Forward Together” last week, in Monrovia, Ambassador Chengwu highlighted the strong leadership and strategic guidance of both nations’ presidents. He affirmed China’s readiness to work closely with Liberia to seize these opportunities and advance their partnership.
Ambassador Chengwu emphasized that China will continue to foster engagement at all levels and sectors, expressing hope for a meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joseph Boakai at the upcoming FOCAC summit in China this autumn. Such a meeting, he believes, would significantly boost bilateral relations. Chengwu assured that China will enhance cooperation in areas including legislature, law enforcement, military, and local governance, and promote practical cooperation across various fields.
China is committed to advancing modernization and seeks to collaborate with other countries to achieve mutual progress. Ambassador Chengwu noted that China aims to align the Belt and Road Initiative with President Boakai’s ARREST agenda, expanding practical cooperation between China and Liberia. He outlined several projects China is willing to pursue for Liberia’s development, including renewing the China-Liberia Maritime Agreement and implementing projects such as the LBS upgrade, the Fingerprint Examination Lab, overpass bridges on Tubman Boulevard, and technical assistance projects in bamboo weaving and vegetable planting.
Ambassador Chengwu reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening communication and cooperation with Liberia on international and regional issues. He highlighted the profound changes in the international landscape and the different challenges the world faces, asserting China’s readiness to collaborate with Liberia to uphold multilateralism, participate in global governance, and safeguard the common interests of the “Global South.”
“We will strengthen communication and cooperation with the Liberian side on international and regional issues. At present, the international situation is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the world is facing a variety of major problems and challenges. China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Liberian side to uphold multilateralism, to participate in global governance, to safeguard the common interests of the ‘Global South,’ and to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind,” Ambassador Chengwu stated.
China also supports Liberia in safeguarding its core interests and has always respected Liberia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The Ambassador praised Liberia’s adherence to the One-China policy, which acknowledges the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing all of China, including Taiwan. This policy, reaffirmed by the Liberian government, is highly appreciated by China.
During the event, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. Jonathan F. Koffa, urged the two nations to remain united, emphasizing that unity would lead to tremendous success. Koffa highlighted Liberia’s status as a third-world country and expressed hope for continued Chinese support in economic and infrastructure development. He appealed to China for modern technology transfer, particularly in agriculture, to help Liberia become self-sufficient in food production and reduce rice importation, which has heavily burdened the country’s reserves.
Koffa underscored the need for technology to transform raw materials into finished products, making Liberia an export nation. He affirmed Liberia’s commitment to the One-China policy, recognizing it as central to the friendship between the two nations and supporting China’s sovereignty over its internal affairs.
“Liberia stands firm on the One-China policy as we believe as a nation that China’s internal affairs and sovereignty are strictly theirs,” Koffa declared, reaffirming the parliament’s dedication to the policy.
The reception showcased the enduring partnership between China and Liberia, promising a future of enhanced cooperation and mutual development.
