China-Liberia Cooperation And The Win-win Approach (2007-)

The Chinese government and its companies have dramatically increased their presence in the Republic of Liberia over the past six years. In the face of this upsurge, there have been mountain concerns especially from the West over the true motive behind the China-Liberia ties. This thesis explores the true intent as well as the impacts of China's increased engagement with on the basis of the Win-Win approach. It also examines the contending arguments as well as the promising prospects both China and Liberia stand to achieve.The thesis provides the theoretical framework to guide the efficient and factual presentation of logical analysis regarding China's Liberia engagement while highlighting the genesis of Sino-Liberian relations evolving from the main stream of the China-Africa relations from historical perspective. It also caricatures the essence of the bilateral relations, taking into account the mutual cooperation within the health sector, education sector, agricultural sector, investment, debt relief, etc. and how these mutual endeavors are positively impacting the economic outlook of the two countries.Within the concluding section, the thesis endeavors to summarize the incentives as well as the disincentives in the bilateral relations involving both China and Liberia, and whether or not the bilateral relations really do matter. At the very end, the thesis advances some cogent recommendations to be implemented by the two countries if the relationship must move to another high level so as to enable both countries maximize the benefits from their mutual cooperation.Main ArgumentFor more than 150 years, the West, especially the United States of America has been engaged with Liberia in all facets of its national recovery, ranging from resource exploitation to normal diplomatic engagements, yet there is nothing to show for it. For example, Liberia and Liberians still remain very poor, even though living in the midst of plenty (diamond, gold, iron ore, natural rubber, etc.). How come, the People's Republic of China, which is considered,"just come"has captured so great a favor from the Liberian People?China's charm engagements with Liberia and the Liberian people, especially within the areas mentioned above, have been found wanting. More so, as the China's engagement continues to help the Liberian nation gradually recovers from economic fatigue, so also the admiration for China.FindingFrom every indication, this thesis has observe, that, it is in the best interest of China and Liberia to maintain their mutual cooperation. The thesis also observes that the more China and Liberia cooperate, the better incentives it will provide for both countries.