Monrovia – Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu has appreciated Liberia including entities operating in Liberia for honoring the One-China principle, something he says has caused the Chinese President Xi Jinping to elevate the China-Liberia friendship that is poised to seek the interest of both countries.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-[email protected]
The Chinese Ambassador Chengwu made the disclosure at a one-day Seminar on “Deepen Cooperation, Work Together for Development” held at the Golden Gates Hotel in Paynesville City.
Speaking during the opening, Ambassador Chengwu said the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
(FOCAC) Summit has reached significant outcomes with Liberia being a strong partner.
According to him, China and Liberia are expected to continuously support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns.
“China appreciates Liberia’s firm adherence to the One-China principle and its support for China’s position on Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Xizang and maritime issues. China supports Liberia’s right to independently choose a development path suited to its national conditions while safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests,” Ambassador Chengwu said.
The Chinese Ambassador Added: “Recently, President Xi Jinping and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai held a successful meeting during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Both Presidents agreed to elevate China-Liberia relations to strategic partnership, charting the course of the bilateral relations. China and Liberia face great opportunities to deepen cooperation and seek common development.”
According to Ambassador Chengwu, the cooperation between China and Liberia is the collective rise of the “Global South”.
He stressed that the “Global South” was born for development and has risen because of development. The joint modernization of the countries of the “Global South” is a major event in world history and an unprecedented feat in the course of human civilization, Ambassador Chengwu narrated.
“At present, deglobalization is widespread, protectionism is prevalent and populism is on the rise. Against this backdrop, China and Liberia, as members of the “Global South”, share common interests in safeguarding the interests and development space of emerging economies and developing countries, and in tackling global challenges as well,” Ambassador Chengwu said.
He added: “Therefore, revitalizing development and achieving universal prosperity is the goal of the Global South and a new opportunity for China-Liberia cooperation.”
Ambassador Chengwu furthers that the common pursuit of modernization by China and Africa will undoubtedly bring new opportunities for China-Liberia cooperation.
He furthers: “China and Liberia are expected to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and multilateral affairs. China is willing to work with Liberia to uphold true multilateralism, rectify the historical injustice against Africa, and enhance the representation and voice of developing countries, especially African countries, in the global governance system.”
The Ambassador also disclosed that China appreciates Liberia’s efforts in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with Liberia to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
He stressed that the two countries are expected to further strengthen practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
“China is willing to provide support to the best of its ability to Liberia in infrastructure construction, strengthen cooperation in traditional fields such as maritime transport, agriculture, resources development and actively expand cooperation in new areas such as clean and new energy,” Ambassador Chengwu said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Unity Party J. Luther Tarpeh praised China for being the leading developmental partner across Africa by sharing their experience with others.
“As a nation, our developmental approach must change from an aid driven country to living more with the People Republic of China whose economic transformation has surprised the world,” Unity Party Chairman Tarpeh said.
He added: “I am optimistic that this forum reaffirms the Chinese proverb that says, “It is better to teach a man how to fish than to give him a fish after every fishing expedition.”
According to the UP Chairman, the friendship between the two countries is now trekking the path of shared experience in economic and global peace promotion and development.
“A forum like this keeps the main things in diplomatic relationships at the front desk of our minds. As both countries explore ways to deepen cooperation and work together for development, we must take the following steps together as sister and friendly countries,” UP Chairman added.
He also calls for the strengthening of people-to-people relationships among the citizens of Liberia and China.
According to Mr. Tarpeh, the friendship between both countries cannot thrive unless both countries strengthen and promote genuine relationships between the citizens of both countries.
“While the language barrier between our people seemingly post a challenge to foster this, I want to call on you Mr. Ambassador that the Chinese Language institutes look into teaching Mandarin the Chinese Language in some selected high schools and public and private universities to help break the communication barriers between people of Liberia and the People Republic of China,” he said.
UP Chairman added: “In the same vein, it is expedient Mr. Ambassador to open the corridor through exchange programs where Liberian young people will have the opportunity to travel to China and teach English language to young Chinese students. I am optimistic Mr. Ambassador that if we work together on this people to people bond with Liberia – Chinese friendship can influence the emerging generation of our two countries to interact and solidify the friendship in years to come.”
