DAVID A. YATES
Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China Policy as it solidifies its longstanding relationship with the world’s second largest economy.
The reaffirmation by Cllr. Deweh Gray, the Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comes after a brief period of strain in the relationship between the two countries, even though that did not impact Liberia’s commitment to the One-China Policy.
The policy is Liberia’s acknowledgment of the principle that there is only one China, and Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory. Liberia’s commitment aligns with the stance taken by the majority of nations worldwide.
“It is our sincere hope that the bounds of friendship so happily shared between our two countries will be the glue that will continue to bind our two nations together for mutual benefit,” Gray said in remarks at a program commemorating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
“The One-China Policy does not only consolidate the political basis of their bilateral relationship but also demonstrates that the Liberian people are supportive of their existence, friendship, and cooperation. The government reaffirms its commitment to the One-China Policy,” Gray added.
Since the end of Liberia’s devastating civil war, the diplomatic bond between China and Liberia has grown steadily stronger, bolstered by economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and cultural exchanges.
However, the Weah administration’s decision to join other western nationals to criticize China’s human rights record caused a temporary rift in the otherwise robust relationship between the two countries.
In 2022, Liberia, along with several Western nations, voiced concerns about alleged human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang region. This stance was seen by many as a departure from Liberia’s traditionally neutral position on international affairs.
However, the Weah administration had since been working to reinvigorate the Sino-Liberian relations, which also holds significant promise for Liberia’s economic development. China has been a significant partner in Liberia’s post-war reconstruction efforts, contributing to key infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, and the rehabilitation of the Roberts International Airport.
In return, Liberia remains an important partner for China in West Africa, providing access to valuable natural resources and serving as a gateway to the region.
According to Gray, China’s contribution to Liberia in areas such as the Ministerial Complex, which is hosting a number of ministries and agencies, has relieved the “government of rent payment burden.”
The Minister noted that China remains one of Liberia’s important partners, as its technical and economic assistance over the years have helped to greatly support the country’s development.
For his part, Fan Erwei, Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Liberia, lauded all Chinese compatriots, as well as the government of Liberia and all who have contributed to the promotion of China-Liberia friendship.
Mr. Fan said that although China and Africa, including Liberia, are distant, the great friendship between the Chinese and African peoples has a long history.
He acknowledged that China-Liberia relations have made great strides under the joint leadership of the presidents of the two countries and the support and promotion of friendly people from all walks of life.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi’s putting forth the principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, and of pursuing the greater good and shared interests for China’s relations with Africa,” Fan added.
He maintained that the cooperation between the two countries has also achieved fruitful results in the areas of economy and trade, medical and health care, infrastructure construction, and human resources development, which have benefited the peoples of the two countries.
Fan informed his counterpart that, at present, China is embarking on a new journey towards fully building a modern socialist country and is striding forward to promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernization.
He firmly believes that the new achievements of China’s development will surely bring more new opportunities for the development of Liberia.
“We are ready to join hands with our Liberian brothers to further deepen cooperation and carry out more cooperative projects to improve people’s livelihood and well-being, so as to jointly realize the beautiful dream of the people of the two countries in pursuit of a happy life,” he declared.
At the end of his remarks, Fan proposed a toast to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to the long-lasting friendship between the peoples of China and Liberia, to the unity and progress of all peoples of the world and to their health.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
