PAYNESVILLE, Liberia – China on Friday deepened its diplomatic and development footprint in Liberia with the formal dedication of a new US$5.5 million state-of-the-art Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) complex, a major media infrastructure project that officials say reflects the growing strategic partnership between Monrovia and Beijing.
The modern facility, fully funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and constructed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), includes advanced radio and television studios, upgraded transmission systems, digital broadcasting capabilities, and outside broadcast equipment designed to modernize Liberia’s state media operations.
Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu described the project as a symbol of the “enduring friendship” between both nations and emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s development beyond traditional infrastructure projects.
“This project reflects China’s long-standing commitment to supporting Liberia’s capacity building and sustainable development,” Ambassador Yin said during the dedication ceremony attended by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and senior government officials.
The ambassador noted that the facility was envisioned as “a nerve center for creativity, a hub for accurate information, and a platform for voices to be heard.”
“It represents our commitment to supporting our Liberian friends in building their own narrative and strengthening their media capacity,” he stated.
China’s support to Liberia’s broadcasting sector dates back nearly two decades. According to Ambassador Yin, Chinese technical teams have worked with LBS since 2006, providing equipment, training, and technical assistance through multiple cooperation phases.
“China has provided LBS with five phases of technical assistance,” Yin disclosed, adding that Chinese technicians will remain on-site for two years following the project’s completion to provide operational support and training.
The project comes amid China’s broader diplomatic strategy across Africa, where Beijing has increasingly invested in media, telecommunications, transportation, and energy infrastructure as part of its expanding geopolitical influence on the continent.
“This year marks China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange,” Ambassador Yin noted. “Broadcasting naturally serves as a window for cross-cultural exchange.”
Liberian officials praised China’s continued support to the country.
President Boakai thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for what he described as a transformational contribution to Liberia’s media landscape.
“We are deeply honored,” Boakai said. “We want to thank the government and people of China for their extraordinary support and partnership.”
LBS Director General Eugene Lamine Fahngon described the investment as more than a construction project.
“China did not merely provide funding,” Fahngon declared. “China invested in Liberia’s voice. China invested in our democracy.”
The ceremony also featured cultural performances, traditional honors presented to the Chinese ambassador, and public recognition of Chinese construction engineers and technical teams involved in the project.
Officials say the facility is expected to significantly improve nationwide broadcasting coverage and enhance Liberia’s ability to disseminate public information across all 15 counties and neighboring countries.
The dedication marks another milestone in Liberia-China relations, which have expanded significantly in recent years through cooperation in infrastructure, health, energy, education, and public sector modernization.
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