MONROVIA, Liberia The expanding relationship between Liberia and China came into sharp focus in Monrovia as the Chinese Embassy marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, highlighting growing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and cultural exchange.
The anniversary reception, held on September 29 at the Chinese Embassy, brought together Speaker of the House of Representatives Richard Nagbe Koon, Acting Foreign Minister Amb. Ethel Davis, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of international organizations, Chinese nationals and other guests.
Addressing the gathering, Fan Erwei, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Liberia, used the occasion to reflect on China’s development since 1949 while outlining areas in which Beijing and Monrovia are seeking to expand their bilateral partnership.
Fan said China’s transformation over the past 77 years had produced major changes in its economy and society, describing the country as the world’s second-largest economy and a major force in global trade and manufacturing.
He cited Chinese government data indicating that per capita disposable income rose from approximately US$7 in 1949 to US$6,409 in 2025. He also said more than 700 million people had been lifted out of poverty during the country’s development process.
According to Fan, China’s social protection systems now cover more than one billion people through basic old-age insurance, while more than 1.3 billion people are covered by medical insurance.
He also highlighted China’s expanding international relations, noting that Beijing has established partnerships with 153 countries and international organizations and has become a major contributor to the United Nations and UN peacekeeping operations.
Trade and Development at the Heart of Bilateral Relations
Turning to Liberia, Fan described the country as a longstanding friend and partner of China and pointed to what he characterized as positive developments in bilateral relations over the past year.
He said political exchanges between the two countries had remained active, including engagement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Fan also said Liberia had continued to uphold the one-China principle and that Beijing had supported Liberia in carrying out its responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Economic cooperation was another major focus of the address.
The Chinese diplomat said trade in goods between Liberia and China increased by 20.5 percent year-on-year during the first eight months of 2026, reaching what he described as a new high.
He also pointed to Liberia’s first harvest of dried chili peppers destined for the Chinese market as an emerging example of agricultural cooperation and an opportunity to broaden Liberia’s export base.
Chinese-Assisted Projects Underway
Fan said China was also supporting Liberia’s development priorities under the government’s ARREST Agenda, with several Chinese-assisted projects either completed or at various stages of implementation.
Among the projects he highlighted were the construction of two overpass bridges along Tubman Boulevard, the National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory, and the Liberia Broadcasting System building, which has been completed and handed over.
He also referenced the arrival of the first batch of modern agricultural machinery supplied through Chinese assistance, saying such initiatives could contribute to Liberia’s agricultural development and broader economic growth.
The Chinese Embassy said the projects form part of its continuing engagement with Liberia and reflect areas where the two countries are seeking practical cooperation.
Liberia-China Partnership Enters New Phase as Beijing Celebrates 77 Years
