BEIJING, China — The Governments of China and Liberia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, strengthening multilateralism, and advancing reforms within the United Nations system following high-level diplomatic talks held Tuesday in Beijing.
The discussions brought together Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, as both countries sought to consolidate the strategic partnership established by Presidents Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Xi Jinping during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
The meeting underscored growing diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, while highlighting a shared vision centered on South-South cooperation, mutual development, and reform of global governance institutions.
During the talks, Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended a special invitation to Minister Beysolow-Nyanti to return to China ahead of the United Nations high-level week, signaling Beijing’s intention to maintain close diplomatic coordination with Liberia on major international issues.
Wang praised nearly five decades of diplomatic relations between China and Liberia, describing the partnership as one forged through solidarity and mutual support during critical periods, including the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Wang, the relationship between both countries has entered a new phase under the leadership of Presidents Boakai and Xi, with political trust deepening and cooperation steadily expanding across multiple sectors.
He noted that bilateral ties have now evolved into a strategic partnership with growing momentum.
As Liberia prepares to assume its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, Minister Beysolow-Nyanti outlined Monrovia’s priorities on the global stage, emphasizing peacebuilding, conflict prevention, regional stability, and inclusive diplomacy.
She linked Liberia’s upcoming Security Council responsibilities to broader efforts aimed at promoting domestic peace and strengthening regional security across West Africa and the African continent.
Both Liberia and China used the meeting to advocate for reforms within the UN Security Council, arguing that the body must become more representative, equitable, and effective in addressing modern global challenges.
Liberia specifically reiterated its longstanding support for permanent African representation on the Council, stressing the need for developing nations and countries of the Global South to have stronger voices in global governance.
China, in turn, pledged close coordination with Liberia on major UN issues and reaffirmed its support for multilateralism in the face of growing geopolitical tensions and rising unilateral actions in international affairs.
The two ministers also emphasized their shared commitment to protecting the interests and rights of developing countries within the international system.
Currently serving as rotating president of the Security Council for the month of May, China announced plans to convene a high-level open debate on May 26 under the theme: “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centered International System.”
Foreign Minister Wang invited Minister Beysolow-Nyanti to participate as a speaker during the debate, stressing the urgent need to reinforce the UN Charter amid growing global uncertainty and divisions within the international community.
On bilateral cooperation, Wang pledged China’s continued support for Liberia’s sovereignty, development agenda, and economic growth through expanded collaboration in trade, agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihood programs.
He further reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Liberia’s tenure on the Security Council and expressed readiness to deepen multilateral coordination in defense of the UN Charter and the interests of the Global South.
For her part, Minister Beysolow-Nyanti thanked China for extending its zero-tariff policy to Liberia, describing the initiative as a significant economic opportunity capable of boosting exports, accelerating growth, and expanding trade prospects for Liberian businesses and citizens.
The policy officially took effect on May 1.
According to the Liberian foreign minister, the move demonstrates China’s continued commitment to Liberia’s economic transformation and positions the country to benefit more meaningfully from its partnership with Beijing.
She also expressed appreciation for decades of Chinese assistance to Liberia in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, and education.
Among the recent examples she highlighted were the dedication of the new Liberia Broadcasting System complex and ongoing road construction works along Tubman Boulevard in Monrovia.
Minister Beysolow-Nyanti additionally expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and agriculture, building on momentum generated during the 2024 China-Liberia Trade and Investment Promotion Forum held in Shenzhen.
The Liberian foreign minister further commended China for what she described as its constructive engagement in conflict-affected African regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Sahel region.
She thanked Beijing for its contributions toward peace and stability efforts across the continent.
Both sides also welcomed the designation of 2026 as the “Year of People-to-People Exchanges,” describing it as an important framework for strengthening cultural ties, youth cooperation, and modernization efforts between the two countries.
Minister Beysolow-Nyanti concluded by reaffirming Liberia’s unwavering adherence to the One China Policy, noting that the principle carries historical significance because it was formally codified into Liberian law during the period when President Boakai served as President of the Liberian Senate.
She also voiced Liberia’s full support for China’s vision of building “a community with a shared future for mankind.”
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