-As Beijing Marks 77th Anniversary in Monrovia
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA — High-ranking Liberian officials joined the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia on September 29, 2026, to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China. Officials of both nations underlined the deepening bilateral bond, highlighted by robust economic growth, zero-tariff trade expansion, and shared commitments to global peace and sustainable development at the event.
Opening the celebration, Mr. Fan Erwei, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Liberia, pointed to China’s resilient economic momentum, noting that the country’s GDP reached 69.6 trillion RMB (approximately $10 trillion USD) in the first half of the year, marking a 4.7% year-on-year increase. He emphasized that China’s high-quality development and leadership in emerging technologies—including over 6,000 AI enterprises—provide new opportunities worldwide.
Highlighting bilateral achievements, Mr. Fan noted that the China-Liberia Strategic Partnership has advanced significantly under Presidents Xi Jinping and Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Practical cooperation has surged, fueled by China’s zero-tariff treatment for Liberian products, which helped push bilateral trade up by 16% in the first seven months of the year.
“No mountain and ocean can distance people with shared aspirations,” Mr. Fan stated, pointing to ongoing infrastructure and development projects, including the Tubman Boulevard overpass bridges, the national clinical diagnosis and treatment laboratory, and newly arrived agricultural machinery.
Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Honorable Richard Nagbe Koon, delivered congratulations on behalf of the Liberian government and people. He praised China’s remarkable journey of transformation and underscored that the bilateral partnership remains rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and tangible development across health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Ethel Davies reinforced this sentiment, spotlighting the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during President Boakai’s and President Xi’s agreement in September 2024.
“Liberia values China’s contribution to our development, including support for public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technical cooperation,” Amb. Davies stated. She outlined Liberia’s national development priorities under the ARREST agenda, inviting further Chinese investment in manufacturing, technology, energy, and value-addition for Liberian resources.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation. Amb. Davies noted that as Liberia serves on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, Monrovia looks forward to close collaboration with Beijing on international peace, security, and climate action. She also reiterated Liberia’s steadfast adherence to the One-China principle.
Closing the formal remarks, leaders from both sides toasted to enduring friendship, mutual prosperity, and a shared future for the new era of China-Africa cooperation.
