President Joseph Boakai with Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, YIN Chengwu flanked by securities
President Boakai Assures Chinese Counterparts at 105th Communist Party Celebration
By Mark N. Mengonfia
President Joseph Boakai has reassured the People’s Republic of China of Liberia’s commitment to the One-China Policy.
The reassurance came during the 105th anniversary celebrations of the Communist Party of China held at the Chinese Embassy in Congo Town.
It can be recorded that the administration of jailed former President Charles G. Taylor, the country broke diplomatic relations with China and recognized Taiwan.
Shortly after the end of the Taylor’s administration, Liberia officially recommitted to the One-China Policy on October 11, 2003. The National Transitional Government signed a joint communiqué with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), officially dropping recognition of Taiwan.
Since the renewal of diplomatic relations, the two countries’ relationship, according to President Boakai, has been based on mutual respect.
The Liberian leader in his remarks sang praises of China and said the achievements made by the CPC have helped many countries in the world, including Liberia.
“Liberia remains steadfast to the One-China Policy,” President Boakai said as he reminded the Ambassador of the friendship the two countries have shared over the years.
He added that Liberia values China’s remarkable progress and the role it plays in promoting national peace, stability, and development.
“Through visionary long-term planning, unwavering commitment to the people, China has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty,” Boakai said.
President Boakai, congratulating the CPC on its celebration, said, “May the friendship between Liberia and China continue to flourish.”
The event was graced by an array of government officials, including senators, representatives and Unity Party leaders.
In remarks, Unity Party Chairman Rev. Luther Tapeh said what the CPC has achieved over the years should be treated as a masterclass by other countries and political parties.
In his remarks, the UP boss called on Liberian politicians to adopt institutional discipline, long-term planning and grassroots results.
He wants political reforms in visions of the country and not building parties around leaders and when those people are not around, the party breaks down.
The Unity Party chairman stressed the need to work together to ensure that a long-term vision is crafted so that it reflects the nation and any party can achieve it no matter what party it may be.
Speaking earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, YIN Chengwu, said from the very day of its founding, the CPC has defined its original aspiration and mission as seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation.
According to him, history and practice have fully proven that the choice of the CPC was not a matter of historical chance, but an inevitable outcome made by the Chinese people through “Over the past 105 years, the CPC has remained faithful to its founding mission, united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in making great achievements worthy of history and the people,” adding that the Chinese nation has achieved tremendous transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong, representing the most magnificent chapter in the millennia-long history of the Chinese nation.
The Chinese ambassador said the CPC has achieved great success in the new-democratic revolution, socialist revolution and construction, success in reform, opening up, and socialist modernization, socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
Ambassador YIN Chengwu said the glorious journey of the CPC profoundly demonstrates that political parties must uphold a people-centered approach and serve the people wholeheartedly, place great emphasis on party building and have the courage to promote self-reform. Also, he said political parties must uphold the principle of independence and follow their own path.
He said, “The courage to engage in self-reform is one of the most distinctive hallmarks of the CPC and an important reason why it is still in its prime after 105 years.”
The people are the creators of history and the fundamental force that determines the future and destiny of the Party and the country.
“Today, with more than 100 million members in a country of more than 1.4 billion people, the CPC is the largest governing party in the world and enjoys tremendous international influence,” he said.
President Joseph Boakai and Ambassador YIN Chengwu toasted for the 105th anniversary of CPC.
“Now, I would like to propose a toast: To President Xi Jinping and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, to the happiness and well-being of the people of China and Liberia, and to the enduring friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”
