President Pro-Tempore Karnga-Lawrence Meets Top Chinese Lawmaker, Seeks Support for Capitol Building Renovation

Beijing, People’s Republic of China –The People’s Republic of China has pledged to consider Liberia’s request for the renovation of the Capitol Building, which was partially destroyed by fire on December 18, 2024.

The commitment was made following a high-level meeting between Liberia’s Senate President Pro-Tempore, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, and Mr. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and member of the Politburo Standing Committee, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday, October 15.

During the meeting, Senator Karnga-Lawrence appealed for China’s assistance to renovate the rotunda and other sections of the Capitol Building that were severely damaged by the blaze.

In response, Mr. Zhao welcomed the appeal and instructed China’s Vice Foreign Minister to coordinate with both the Chinese and Liberian Ambassadors to begin technical consultations through the appropriate diplomatic channels.

Focus on Legislative Capacity Building

Senator Karnga-Lawrence also called for enhanced cooperation in capacity building for legislators and legislative staff, proposing short-term training programs, specialized seminars, and scholarships for Liberian parliamentary employees.

In reply, Mr. Zhao assured that China was willing to make arrangements for such training opportunities, emphasizing China’s ongoing support for Liberia’s governance and institutional development.

He also accepted Senator Karnga-Lawrence’s invitation to visit Liberia, pending the completion of formal diplomatic arrangements.

Strengthening Liberia–China Relations

The Pro-Tempore is leading a two-member legislative delegation to China at the invitation of the National People’s Congress to attend the 2025 Global Leaders Meeting on Women, co-hosted by China and UN Women. The delegation includes Hon. Rugie Yatu Barry, Representative of Montserrado County District #1.

During the discussions, Senator Karnga-Lawrence reaffirmed Liberia’s strong commitment to the One-China Policy and expressed appreciation for China’s continued support in development, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchange.

“This visit further demonstrates the strength of our growing relationship and cooperation between the National Legislature of Liberia and the National People’s Congress of China,” she said.

“We remain committed to advancing the shared vision of Presidents Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and Xi Jinping — one that promotes mutual benefit, respect, and cooperation.”

She also expressed Liberia’s support for President Xi Jinping’s concept of building a ‘community with a shared future for mankind,’ emphasizing the country’s belief in non-interference and respect for national sovereignty.

Zhao Commends Boakai’s Leadership

Mr. Zhao praised the leadership of President Boakai, noting that “political mutual trust continues to deepen” and that “pragmatic cooperation across various fields has yielded fruitful results.”

He reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with Liberia to advance the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, promote greater bilateral development, and deliver tangible benefits to both nations.

“China supports President Boakai’s development strategy and stands ready to consolidate the good momentum of our bilateral relations,” Mr. Zhao stated. “We will continue to support each other on issues of core interest and major concern.”

Courtesy Visit to China’s Development Cooperation Agency

While in Beijing, the Liberian delegation also paid a courtesy call on Mr. Chen Xiaodong, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), accompanied by Liberia’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Dudley McKinley Thomas.

Mr. Chen highlighted several ongoing Chinese-supported projects in Liberia, including:

• The construction of two overhead bridges along Tubman Boulevard;
• The new facilities for the Liberian Broadcasting System (LBS);
• The National Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory;
• A 13-million-yuan grain food assistance program; and
• The planned donation of agricultural machinery and government vehicles to Liberia.

Senator Karnga-Lawrence expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and CIDCA for their continued support.

“We are deeply appreciative of China’s contributions to Liberia’s development, especially the commencement of the overhead bridge projects, which mark a major step in easing urban traffic and improving infrastructure,” she said.

The delegation’s visit, she added, underscores Liberia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China in governance, infrastructure, and human resource development — areas she described as essential to national renewal.