The People’s Republic of China states that it remains committed to strengthening ties with the African continent.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
As the world faces increasing geopolitical tension and a growing deficit in global governance, China has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and stronger ties with Africa, particularly Liberia.
Speaking at a grand reception held on September 7, 2025, to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Mr. Yin Chengwu, emphasized China’s enduring support for Liberia and its growing strategic partnership.
With the international order under strain, President Xi Jinping recently launched the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting. The initiative promotes five core commitments: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered development, and achieving real results.
These principles reflect the original spirit of the UN Charter, which both China and Liberia signed as the first to do so in their respective regions.
“China and Liberia were respectively the first country in the world and in Africa to sign the UN Charter,” said Ambassador Yin. “This makes it particularly important for the two countries to play a leading role in building a more just and equitable global governance system.”
He added, “China will strengthen joint efforts with Liberia and other parties to explore ways to reform and improve global governance and open up a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.”
Ambassador Yin highlighted the solid foundation of strategic mutual trust between the two nations, noting that President Xi Jinping and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai maintain regular contact through letters and other diplomatic channels.
“China appreciates Liberia’s commitment to the one-China principle and its support for China’s legitimate stance. China will continue to render mutual support to Liberia,” he declared.
China has backed Liberia’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (2026–2027 term) and pledged to deepen coordination in multilateral affairs.
“Congratulations again, Liberia, on the election!” he added.
Recent months have seen increased bilateral exchanges. In June, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and Minister of Commerce and Industry Magdalene Dagoseh attended the Coordinators Meeting on the implementation of FOCAC outcomes and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha.
There, they met with Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, marking another milestone in high-level diplomatic engagement following the 2023 summit between Presidents Xi and Boakai.
Other visits included Liberian Ministers and lawmakers engaging with Chinese counterparts
From China, Mr. Qin Weizhong, Mayor of Shenzhen, and Mr. Sang Weiliang, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guizhou Provincial People’s Congress, visited Monrovia to strengthen ties.
These exchanges, Ambassador Yin said, reflect “close cooperation on governance and development.”
Economic ties have significantly improved. In early 2025, China implemented zero-tariff treatment for 100% of Liberian export lines, resulting in a nearly 30% boost in bilateral trade during the first half of the year.
One major milestone is the groundbreaking of the Two Overpass Bridges on Tubman Boulevard, a major infrastructure development project in Monrovia.
Other notable projects include refurbishment and expansion of the Liberia Broadcasting System, construction of a National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory, Agricultural Machinery Modernization Project, Food Assistance programs, Bamboo and Rattan Weaving & Vegetable Planting Project, and donation of police supplies to support law enforcement.
Cultural and educational exchange between the two nations has also flourished. Since the start of 2025.
The Chinese Embassy issued over 2,600 visas to Liberians, a 35% increase from the same period last year. More than 100 Liberian students were newly enrolled in Chinese universities, and over 200 Liberians participated in professional training programs.
Ambassador Yin also announced that 2026 will be the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with many activities and events planned to deepen cultural understanding and collaboration.
“China looks forward to carrying out wonderful people-to-people activities with Liberia”, he noted.
As both nations move forward, the China-Liberia partnership stands as a strong example of South-South cooperation, driven by shared principles, mutual respect, and a vision for a more just global system. – Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
