By: Quanbin Zheng, CGTN
July 29 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone. Though separated by thousands of miles, the two countries have built a partnership founded on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation, producing tangible achievements that have brought their peoples closer together while supporting their respective development aspirations.
For me, Sierra Leone first came into focus not during a moment of celebration, but during one of the most difficult periods in the country’s recent history.
In 2014, when I was still at the beginning of my journalism career, I watched footage from my colleagues in West Africa as the Ebola virus outbreak devastated Sierra Leone. The images remain vivid in my memory: patients fighting for survival, exhausted health workers standing on the front lines, and families devastated by unimaginable loss. Despite the distance, I could feel the immense suffering experienced by the people of Sierra Leone.
Yet, amid the tragedy, another image stood out the image of solidarity.
China was among the first countries to provide critical assistance during the crisis. Medical teams were deployed, accompanied by emergency supplies and technical support. The Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biosafety Laboratory was established and completed within just 87 days, providing vital testing capacity at a critical time. Located on the outskirts of Freetown, the laboratory remains operational today, continuing to serve communities across Sierra Leone.
More than a decade later, the cooperation and lessons gained during the Ebola crisis continue to produce results. When Ebola resurfaced in parts of Africa in 2026, Sierra Leone strengthened its preparedness and response systems, with no confirmed cases reported in the country so far. This progress reflects years of investment in public health systems, including stronger prevention mechanisms, disease surveillance, and early-warning capabilities.
This achievement represents the dedication of Sierra Leone’s healthcare professionals and the continued collaboration between Sierra Leonean and Chinese public health experts.
My connection with Africa grew stronger in 2016, when I travelled to the continent for the first time for work, as the impact of the Ebola crisis was beginning to fade. I was immediately inspired by Africa’s beauty the breathtaking landscapes, fresh environment, and above all, the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Over the years, my reporting assignments have taken me across North, West, and East Africa. Along the way, I witnessed newly constructed roads, residential developments, and modern broadcasting facilities. China-Africa cooperation became something I could see and experience firsthand.
Over the past 55 years, the most defining feature of China-Sierra Leone relations has been mutual support and trust. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1971, the two nations have maintained a relationship built on respect and partnership, standing together through changing global circumstances.
In 2016, China and Sierra Leone elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The relationship was further strengthened in 2024 when President Julius Maada Bio paid a state visit to China, resulting in agreements covering areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, agriculture, and economic development. President Bio described China as “a trustworthy and reliable friend” of Sierra Leone.
That friendship has been demonstrated through concrete actions. From the renovation of Sierra Leone’s National Stadium with Chinese support to the construction of the country’s first integrated industrial fishing port; from China’s zero-tariff policies that have helped Sierra Leonean aquatic products access the Chinese market to the establishment of the Excellence Skills Academy to develop local talent China’s cooperation with Sierra Leone has produced projects with lasting benefits.
At the same time, China deeply appreciates the friendship and support it has received from Sierra Leone.
Last year, when my colleague Xu Dezhi asked President Bio in an interview whether Taiwan is part of China, the President responded clearly, “Correct,” reaffirming Sierra Leone’s longstanding adherence to the one-China principle. At a time when this principle faces international challenges, Sierra Leone’s consistent position carries particular significance.
Looking further back, African countries, including Sierra Leone, played a role in supporting the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s legitimate seat at the United Nations. This shared history remains an important foundation of China–Africa friendship.
As a journalist, I feel privileged to have witnessed this journey—from observing the Ebola crisis through a screen in 2014, to travelling to Africa in 2016, and now reflecting on 55 years of China–Sierra Leone diplomatic relations.
The suffering I once saw has been transformed into a shared determination to build a better future together. The stories of assistance that I once reported have continued through bridges, ports, schools, healthcare facilities, and countless projects that connect communities and create new opportunities.
Fifty-five years of walking side by side have shown that the strongest friendships are not built only through moments of success, but also through times of hardship and solidarity. Across mountains and oceans, China and Sierra Leone have developed a relationship rooted in respect, strengthened by trust, and enriched by the shared experiences of generations.
After 55 years, the friendship between China and Sierra Leone continues to grow stronger, with a future filled with new possibilities