Editorial: Upholding Liberia-China Relations
The Government People’s Republic of China has exemplified itself as a true partner of Liberia since the resumption of diplomatic relations here in 2004 under the interim administration of former Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant. Chinese peacekeeping troops serving with UNMIL have made significant contributions to restoring peace to Liberia. Chinese medical personnel have saved lives in many parts of the country. Thursday formal handover of a modern health ministry building to the Government of Liberia by the Ambassador of China to Liberia Zhao Jianhua is a further manifestation of the strong tie between subsisting between the two countires.
Receiving keys to the new Ministry of Health and Social Welfare building on Thursday in Congo Town, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf noted that China leaves “big footprints” in the development projects it has undertaken in Liberia, naming the University of Liberia Fendall Campus; the Jackson Fiah Doe Memorial Hospital and the Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center at the Central Agricultural Technology Institute (CARI), among others as some of Chinese Government initiatives here.
“It pleases me greatly that this structure, once an eyesore sheltering Liberians displaced by the war, will henceforth serve as the permanent headquarters of our Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. We can proudly say that our dream has come true,” said the President.
Last December, the Chinese construction company CHICO, handed over to the Liberian Government the newly constructed bridge connecting Bushrod Island to the Waterside General Market and UN Drive. Liberia’s human resource development is being boosted by scholarships awarded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to hundreds of Liberians to pursue studies in various professional discipline, including agriculture, health and security, among others.
Indeed, China has left an indelible imprint on the path to Liberia’s recovery and socio-economic development. We say hats off to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for standing by Liberia in her moments of needs. It is our fervent hope that in the years ahead, the strong bond of friendship between the two peoples and countries will be further cemented.
Liberians have a lot to copy from the Chinese attitude to work, development and self-reliant, which are pillars that emancipate any nation from economic bondage. China has earned a special place in the hearts of many ordinary Liberians for showing this country how to fish rather than providing us fish to eat, which is not a sustainable path for any developing nation to tread.
