– Warns of manipulation on “One China Policy”
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
The Government of the People’s Republic of China has issued a stern warning to Liberia, cautioning the newly elected United Nations Security Council member against any deviation from the “One-China” policy and United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. This diplomatic message arrives just days after Liberia’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026–2027 term.
In what many analysts interpret as a preemptive geopolitical move, China reminded Liberia of its longstanding support for the One-China principle—an essential pillar of China’s foreign policy. The Chinese government stressed that Resolution 2758, which affirms the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China at the United Nations and excludes Taiwan, is non-negotiable and must not be reinterpreted. Beijing warned that any perceived shift in Liberia’s position—whether symbolic or substantive—could disrupt diplomatic relations and complicate the country’s new multilateral responsibilities.
The warning which was made known to Journalists corresponding from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China near Monrovia, on Monday, June 16, 2025, underscores the heightened expectations facing Liberia following its UNSC election. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., hailed the victory as both an honor and a responsibility, pledging Liberia’s commitment to global peace and stability. However, this elevated role has drawn sharp attention from global powers such as China, which appear determined to reinforce diplomatic boundaries concerning Taiwan amid growing international debate.
Liberia’s past commitments to the One-China policy are clear and binding. They reference two legislative resolutions—one from the Senate in 2005 and another from the House of Representatives in 2006—that explicitly affirm Liberia’s support for the One-China policy and recognize Taiwan as an inseparable part of Chinese territory. Then–Vice President Boakai himself was part of the administration that endorsed these measures. Chinese officials now stress that any deviation from those established positions would not only violate bilateral trust but also contradict Liberia’s own legislative record.
This latest caution comes as some Western countries seek to reinterpret or dilute the meaning of UNGA Resolution 2758, particularly by advocating for Taiwan’s participation in the UN system. China views such efforts as blatant distortions of international law. It asserts that Resolution 2758 settled the matter in 1971 by formally recognizing the People’s Republic of China and excluding Taiwan from any official UN representation. Beijing argues that allowing Taiwan to engage in UN affairs under any guise would weaken the authority of the United Nations, erode the post–World War II international order, and embolden separatist movements.
China’s warning stops short of listing specific consequences, but foreign policy experts caution that Liberia could face real diplomatic and economic setbacks if it appears to waver. China remains one of Liberia’s most significant bilateral partners, contributing to key infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education initiatives. Projects such as road construction and energy expansion could be endangered. Additionally, China’s influence at the UNSC and in global financial institutions could affect Liberia’s prospects on the international stage.
For over four decades, Liberia and China have enjoyed a relationship characterized by mutual respect and development cooperation. China has played a pivotal role in Liberia’s post-war reconstruction, including investments in peacekeeping, institutional reform, and humanitarian assistance. In return, Liberia has consistently supported China’s stance on Taiwan—until recent concerns emerged around potential shifts in rhetoric or alignment with alternative geopolitical narratives.
Observers note that Liberia, like many small states with newfound global prominence, must tread carefully in balancing national interest, sovereignty, and global alliances. While the country seeks to serve as an independent voice for Africa and the Global South at the UNSC, it must also navigate the expectations of major global powers that have historically underwritten its development.
As China reiterates the centrality of Resolution 2758 and the One-China policy to its foreign policy, Liberia is being called upon to reaffirm its historical commitments and avoid becoming a pawn in an emerging ideological chess game. The stakes, analysts warn, go beyond mere diplomacy—they touch on economic survival, national credibility, and Liberia’s evolving identity on the world stage.
With its UNSC seat secured, Liberia’s choices in the coming months will be scrutinized closely—not only by China, but by the entire international community. Maintaining clarity, honoring past agreements, and steering a consistent diplomatic course will be essential as it steps onto the global security platform at a time of rising tensions and great power competition.
