The Chinese Embassy in Freetown commemorated the anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) alongside the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone during a symposium attended by senior government officials, opposition politicians, diplomats, and academics at the embassy on Spur Loop.

Addressing the gathering, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong highlighted what he described as the CPC’s central role in China’s transformation since its founding and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. He attributed China’s development to the party’s commitment to improving the lives of its people and pursuing what he described as truth and global cooperation.

Ambassador Zhao said China had lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, describing it as one of the country’s greatest achievements. He added that improvements in healthcare and living standards had significantly increased life expectancy, stating that the average life expectancy in China reached 79 years in 2025.

Speaking on the longstanding relationship between China and Sierra Leone, Ambassador Zhao said the friendship between the two countries had “stood the test of time” and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. He highlighted people-to-people exchanges, scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leonean students, and continued collaboration in infrastructure, education, and development.

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The ambassador also outlined China’s contributions to global climate and renewable energy efforts, noting the country’s leadership in electric vehicle production. He said that 16.6 million Chinese electric vehicles were sold in 2025 and that more than half of all vehicles sold in China that year were electric.

Representing the All People’s Congress (APC), Osman Yansaneh congratulated the CPC and the Chinese government on the anniversary. He said the APC had maintained strong relations with China throughout its history and stressed that Sierra Leone’s relationship with China transcends party politics.

“The friendship is not limited to a particular political party,” Yansaneh said. “Any party that comes to power will continue to work with the Chinese government.”

He also acknowledged China’s support for Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development, citing projects such as the Youyi Building and road construction, while praising China’s policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Deputy Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Robert Kondema-Kargbo, also congratulated the CPC and expressed appreciation for China’s continued support to Sierra Leone. He said the SLPP looked forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation, promoting peace, and expanding dialogue and exchanges in governance and development.

Minister of Local Government Tamba Lamina said he had recently returned from China after attending the Global Forum for Poverty Reduction, which brought together delegates from more than 100 countries. He said China had demonstrated practical strategies for lifting over 800 million people out of poverty and noted that Sierra Leone was interested in learning from China’s experience, particularly in agriculture and rural development.

Lamina added that his ministry enjoys a strong working relationship with Chinese partners and expressed optimism about expanding future cooperation.

APC Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya also congratulated the Chinese government, commending China for its contributions to Sierra Leone’s development over the years.

National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) Commissioner Baimba Ndomahina praised China’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens and supporting development globally. He said the achievements recorded by China reflected the leadership of the CPC and that Sierra Leone could draw valuable lessons from China’s development model.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Kadijatu Grace Kamara congratulated the Chinese government and reflected on her experience studying cultural diplomacy in China two years ago. She said her visit enabled her to deepen her understanding of Chinese culture and complete her tenth book, A Different Kind of Power. Kamara appealed for the book to be translated into Chinese as a gesture of appreciation for the friendship between the two countries.

Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hawa Sally Samai, said her three-month academic programme at Peking University broadened her understanding of China’s political and governance systems. She said she had learned important lessons about national unity, peaceful coexistence, and the value of pursuing a shared national development agenda despite political differences.

Executive Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Ambassador Sullay Daramy, described the CPC’s policy continuity as remarkable, arguing that long-term planning remains one of Sierra Leone’s governance challenges. He called for sustained national development planning beyond political cycles and said both countries continue to benefit from mutual cooperation and exchange.

Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) Executive Secretary Olusegun David commended the Chinese Embassy for bringing together representatives of Sierra Leone’s two major political parties. He recalled participating in a training programme in China in 2012 and said both he and the commission had continued to benefit from Chinese support and capacity-building initiatives.

A representative of the Sierra Leone Alumni Association also expressed gratitude to the CPC, saying many Sierra Leonean graduates who studied in China had witnessed first-hand the country’s governance model and people-centred approach to development. He noted that China’s technological advancement and strong sense of patriotism offered valuable lessons for Sierra Leone’s future development.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese diplomatic mission, another Chinese diplomat reaffirmed that China remains committed to working with whichever government is democratically elected in Sierra Leone. He said China’s foreign policy is people-centred and focused on strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships.

The symposium concluded with participants reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation between Sierra Leone and China, with speakers from both the ruling and opposition parties expressing support for expanding bilateral relations in governance, education, infrastructure, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges.