1. Political relations
The People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations
with the Republic of Liberia on February 17, 1977. On October 9,
1989, the Liberian Doe Government signed "The Joint Communique on
the Reestablishment of Diplomatic Relations" with Taiwan authority.
On October 10 of the same year, the Chinese Government announced
the suspension of diplomatic relations with Liberia. On August 10,
1993, the diplomatic relations between China and Liberia were
resumed. On September 5, 1997, the Liberian Taylor Government
declared to recognize "two Chinas". On September 9, China again
suspended diplomatic relations with Liberia.
During the period when the two countries had diplomatic
relations, Vice Premier Tian Jiyun visited Liberia in December
1984.
Major visits paid by Liberian leaders to China included
President William R. Tolbert (June 1978), President Samuel Kanyon
Doe (May 1982), Foreign Minister Bernard Blamo (November 1986), Mr.
Samuel Saye Dokkie, First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional
Parliament (October 1995) and Mr. Alhagi Kromah, Vice Chairman of
the State Council (December 1996).
2. Trade relations and economic and technical
cooperation
During the period when the two countries had diplomatic
relations, China, with its aid to Liberia, helped Liberia build
some complete projects, such as the Barreke Sugar Mill, Kpatawee
rice project, multi-purpose sports stadium and its annex, wasteland
reclamation, hospital renovation, and the office building of the
Health Ministry, etc. In 1981, Chinese companies began to enter the
Liberian labor market.
The trade volume between the two countries in 2001 was US$
141.51 million. China's export volume totaled US$112.72 million and
import US$ 28.787 million.
3. Exchanges and cooperation on culture, science,
technology, education, and military affairs
The Governments of China and Liberia signed a cultural
agreement. Cultural delegates from both sides exchanged visits.
From 1977 to 1989, China provided scholarships to Liberian
students every year until the suspension of the diplomatic
relations. After the diplomatic relations resumed in 1993, China
continued to accept Liberian students.
The two Governments once signed a protocol on sending Chinese
medical team to Liberia. From July 1984 to October 1989, China had
altogether sent 3 medical teams to Liberia with the accumulative
total of medical personnel reaching 42.
4. Important agreements and documents
On February 17, 1977, the Government of the People's Republic of
China and the Government of the Republic of Liberia signed the
Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.
On August 10, 1993, the Government of the People's Republic of
China and the Government of the Republic of Liberia signed the
Communiqué on the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations.
(Chinese Foreign Ministry October 10, 2006)