By Stephen G. Fellajuah
The People’s Republic of China, through its Embassy in Liberia, has reiterated that its foreign assistance policy, across Africa and beyond, comes with no strings attached.
Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Yin Chengwu, made the statement during a Media Roundtable Discussion held at the Chinese Embassy on Back Road, Oldest Congo Town, Monrovia, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The event brought together 16 representatives from 14 media institutions in Liberia.
Ambassador Chengwu emphasized that China’s foreign policy is guided by core principles: mutual respect, good faith, sincerity, and results. He dismissed comparisons to colonial-era powers, stating:
“We are not like colonial countries that seized the wealth of others. We work with others with honesty. We are here for cooperation, not competition.”
He also addressed criticisms surrounding China’s global engagements and clarified that referring to China as a developing country is a political expression of solidarity with underdeveloped nations.
Turning to Liberia, Ambassador Chengwu commended the country for its support of the One China Policy, noting that Liberia was among the first African nations to recognize it. He praised Liberia’s commitment to development and encouraged more Chinese investment in the country.
“It is in the fundamental interest of both countries to maintain a strong relationship,” he added.
Ambassador Chengwu also highlighted China’s expanding zero-tariff policy, which will eventually cover all African countries that sign the relevant agreements. He noted that several nations are already benefitting from the initiative.
Regarding China’s engagement through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Ambassador revealed that China has already invested US$2 billion and pledged an additional US$20 billion in support of African development.
He described the FOCAC era as a time of strong cooperation between China and Africa, with a focus on trade, investment, agriculture, health, and other key sectors.
The roundtable aimed to foster open dialogue between the Chinese Embassy and Liberia’s media. It also provided updates on the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators for FOCAC follow-up actions, as well as the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.
Ambassador Chengwu expressed hope for continued media engagement and a people-centered cooperation between China and Liberia.
The meeting concluded with a Q&A session, where journalists posed questions that were addressed directly by the Ambassador.
