Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao says he is satisfied with the current level of Sino-Liberian relations and China is ready to render more help in Liberia's development process.

Speaking at an interview with a Reuters local reporter last Friday, Jan.4, 2008, Amb. Zhou said since the successful holding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit and the subsequent exchange of state visits by H.E. Madam President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and H.E. President Hu Jintao of China, the two countries have achieved satisfactory progress in various fields such as political mutual trust, economic cooperation and cultural exchange. The state visits have set guidelines for the further development of bilateral relations, said Amb. Zhou.

On the implementation of China-aided projects, Amb. Zhou disclosed that besides the already completed projects such as the SKD Stadium renovation and Foreign Ministry Office Building refurbishment, projects like the UL Fendell Campus, LBS FM radio stations, Tapeta Hospital, Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center, rural schools are proceeding smoothly. In addition, the second Chinese agricultural and medical teams have also arrived in Liberia continuing their predecessors' services to the Liberian people while more Liberian professionals and youth are in China for short or long term studies.

Talking about areas in which China can best help Liberia's development, Amb. Zhou said, while the Chinese Government will continue its assistance to Liberia, it encourages its enterprises to invest in Liberia for win-win cooperation, which, according to him, is more important for Liberia than assistance. He pointed out that Liberia has many advantages for development, such as rich natural resources, vast land, small population and ideal geographic location. But to attract foreign investors, more need to be done to create an investment-friendly environment. China has been very successful in attracting foreign investments and is ready to share its experiences with Liberia. Last month, a 25-member delegation of high-ranking Liberian government officials made a visit to China to study special economic zones. They have come back with a clearer picture on how to establish and manage such a zone in Liberia.

On the One-China Issue, Amb. Zhou expressed his appreciation to the Liberian Government for its firm stance on One-China Policy. He said, "Development and maintenance of long-term friendly bilateral relations serves the interests of both peoples of China and Liberia. Liberia needs China as much as China needs Liberia, as deployment of peacekeepers and debt cancellation all need China's endorsement." He is confident that the current and future Liberian leadership are far-sighted and will remain committed to their stance.

Speaking on Sino-US relations, Amb. Zhou refuted the allegation that China is competing with U.S. in Liberia by saying that, "China advocates establishing a harmonious world. China's mutually beneficial relations with Liberia are not directed at any third party. On the contrary, it is ready to cooperate with any country in helping Liberia. In fact, China and the U.S. are working together in the UL Fendell Campus project." "If this is competition, then it is a good one, because it benefits Liberia," he said.