China and Liberia: Engagement in a Post-Conflict Country

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the diplomatic, economic, and security engagement between China and Liberia from 2003 to 2013. It analyzes China's role in the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), bilateral development aid, trade imbalances, and large-scale mining investments, concluding that the relationship is characterized by a significant imbalance where China is the 'absolute winner'.

• The bilateral relationship between China and Liberia is characterized by a severe economic imbalance, described as a 'relative win–absolute win' situation. While Liberia benefited from infrastructure and diplomatic support, China's trade surplus was 15 times its total contribution to Liberia's post-conflict reconstruction, and expected profits from mining operations were nearly $11 billion.
• China was a major contributor to the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), serving as the fourth largest troop contributor after Pakistan, Nigeria, and Ghana. By the end of 2013, China's total contribution to UNMIL was estimated at 8,370 troops, focusing primarily on 'hardware' such as logistical support, civil engineering, and medical units rather than institutional reform.
• The Bong Mine Agreement with China Union Mining Ltd is a high-value but asymmetrical contract. While it promised a $2.6 billion package and significant social contributions, the expected benefit ratio is approximately 1 to 4.5 in favor of China Union ($2.7 billion for Liberia versus $10.6 billion for China Union). The agreement also includes controversial exemptions from surtaxes on high-yield projects and a zero withholding tax on dividends for the first 12 years.
• Trade between the two nations is heavily skewed toward Chinese exports. In 2012, two-way trade totaled $3.67 billion, with a balance of $3.44 billion in favor of China. A significant portion of Chinese exports to Liberia consists of ships, which are often registered under the Liberian flag as 'flags of convenience' but owned by non-Liberians.
• Chinese development aid has targeted education, health, and agriculture. Notable projects include the $23 million Fendell Campus of the University of Liberia, the $10 million Jackson F Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital in Tappita, and a $6 million Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre in Maryland County.
• Chinese construction companies in Liberia, such as Chico and Cico, have been criticized for poor labor practices and substandard work. Issues include low wages—with some disputes over whether $60 or $150 per month is the appropriate minimum—and the delivery of poor-quality roadwork, as seen in the refurbishment of the Cotton Tree–Bokay Town road.
• China has consistently avoided funding the 'governance and rule of law' pillar of Liberia's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). Between 2006 and 2011, while China disbursed $88.4 million across other pillars, it disbursed nothing for governance, reflecting Beijing's policy of non-interference.

APA

Moumouni, G. (2014). China and Liberia: Engagement in a Post-Conflict Country. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Occasional-Paper-182.pdf

Chicago

Moumouni, Guillaume. China and Liberia: Engagement in a Post-Conflict Country. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2014. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Occasional-Paper-182.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Moumouni |first1=Guillaume |title=China and Liberia: Engagement in a Post-Conflict Country |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=April 2014 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Occasional-Paper-182.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{moumouni2014china, author = {Moumouni, Guillaume}, title = {{China and Liberia: Engagement in a Post-Conflict Country}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2014}, month = apr, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Occasional-Paper-182.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }