The Government of Liberia is seeking support from the People’s Republic of China to renovate the rotunda and other sections of the Capitol Building, severely damaged by fire on December 18, 2024.
The appeal was made by the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, during a high-level meeting with Mr. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), on Wednesday, October 15, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence, leading a two-member legislative delegation, asked for assistance in restoring the historic seat of Liberia’s legislature. In response, Chairman Zhao welcomed the request and instructed China’s Vice Foreign Minister to coordinate with both the Chinese and Liberian ambassadors to work out the technical and diplomatic arrangements necessary for the renovation.
The Liberian delegation is visiting China at the invitation of the National People’s Congress to participate in the 2025 Global Leaders Meeting on Women, co-hosted by China and UN Women. Accompanying Senator Karnga-Lawrence is Montserrado County District #1 Representative Rugie Yatu Barry.
In her remarks, Senator Karnga-Lawrence emphasized the importance of China-Liberia relations and expressed hopes for expanded cooperation in capacity building for Liberia’s National Legislature, including training programs, seminars, and scholarships. Mr. Zhao responded positively, pledging China’s support in facilitating training for legislators and staff in China.
The Senator also extended a formal invitation to Chairman Zhao to visit Liberia, which he accepted in principle, pending diplomatic arrangements.
During the meeting, Representative Barry reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with China, describing the visit as a testament to the “growing relationship and cooperation” between the Liberian National Legislature and the NPC.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence reiterated Liberia’s strong support for the One China Policy, and its principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. She also endorsed China’s global development initiative to build “a community with a shared future for mankind,” a cornerstone of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s foreign policy.
Chairman Zhao noted that under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Liberia and China have seen growing political trust and fruitful cooperation. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to strengthen ties and support Liberia’s national development priorities, aligned with outcomes from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
In a separate engagement, the Liberian delegation, accompanied by Liberia’s Ambassador to China, Dudley McKinley Thomas, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Chen Xiaodong, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
Mr. Chen outlined several key development projects underway in Liberia, including the construction of two overhead bridges along Tubman Boulevard, the new Liberian Broadcasting System facilities, a National Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory, and a 13-million grain food assistance package. China has also pledged to supply agricultural machinery and government vehicles to Liberia.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence expressed her gratitude to CIDCA for its ongoing support, particularly praising the commencement of the Tubman Boulevard bridge project.
The visit underscores Liberia’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with China and rebuilding critical national infrastructure following last year’s Capitol Building fire.
