By Linus Flomo
The Chinese Embassy in Monrovia held an interactive seminar to enhance the China-Liberia strategic partnership.
The event was marked by key addresses from Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu and Unity Party Chairman Luther Tarpeh, both highlighting the shared aspirations and mutual benefits of the countries’ expanding relationship.
Ambassador Yin Chengwu opened the seminar by discussing the deepening ties between China and Liberia, which were recently advanced during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
During the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Liberian President Joseph Boakai agreed to elevate China-Liberia relations to a strategic partnership.
Ambassador Yin emphasized that both countries, as members of the Global South, face common global challenges such as de-globalization and rising protectionism, yet share a vision for inclusive development.
“The Global South was born for development and is rising because of it,” said Ambassador Yin, noting the significant strides made during the FOCAC Summit.
China announced its commitment to initiate ten modernization projects across Africa over the next three years, backed by $360 billion in financial support.
These projects span crucial sectors such as agriculture, trade, green development, and infrastructure, offering tremendous opportunities for Liberia.
The Ambassador also emphasized that the cooperation between the two nations is fortified by the leadership of President’s Xi and Boakai.
He expressed optimism about China-Liberia relations in the wake of recent agreements, including a new memorandum on agricultural cooperation and maritime transport, and a mineral resources survey project. Additionally, he praised Liberia’s natural resources and economic potential, describing the country as a major maritime gateway with rich tourism and development opportunities.
Unity Party Chairman Luther Tarpeh underscored the value of Liberia’s relationship with China, describing it as pivotal to Liberia’s socio-economic growth. “We must value what China wants to do,” he said, urging Liberians to embrace a self-sustaining mentality and move away from dependency on foreign aid. “It is your responsibility, my responsibility, as Liberians to compete on the global stage. We have to change our thinking.”
Tarpeh recounted a recent visit to China, describing how it transformed his perspective on Liberia’s development path.
He proposed establishing a Chinese-sponsored business mentoring conference in Liberia, enabling Liberians to learn entrepreneurial skills and business management techniques from their Chinese counterparts.
Tarpeh cited China’s long-term vision and strategic planning as a model for Liberia, advocating for a unified national vision to foster sustainable progress.
Ambassador Yin highlighted China’s support for Liberia’s development goals and praised Liberia’s commitment to the One-China principle calling for increased cooperation in international and regional affairs.
He emphasized China’s willingness to help rectify historical injustices against African countries and strengthen Africa’s role in global governance.
The seminar served as a reminder of China’s significant contributions to Liberia, including infrastructure projects, emergency aid during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises, educational exchanges, and medical assistance. To date, China has supported thousands of Liberians with scholarships and training opportunities, further integrating Liberian professionals into the country’s economic and social fabric.
With ambitious projects and mutual respect underpinning the China-Liberia partnership, Friday’s seminar reinforced the countries’ commitment to a shared future.
