China, Sierra Leone media strengthen exchanges as bilateral ties mark 55 years

Zhao Yong, Chinese ambassador to Sierra Leone, speaks at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone's Media Open Day on Aug. 20, 2026. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone hosted a Media Open Day on Aug. 20, bringing together representatives of more than 20 leading Sierra Leonean media institutions to promote mutual understanding and highlight the expanding cooperation between the two countries.

The event, held at the Chinese Embassy on Spur Road, Wilberforce, Freetown, was attended by representatives of the Independent Media Commission, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and other media organizations.

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Zhao Yong said China and Sierra Leone have, over the past 55 years since establishing diplomatic relations, respected and supported each other, with their traditional friendship growing stronger.

Bilateral cooperation has expanded into politics, trade, health, education and people-to-people exchanges, with Zhao describing the relationship as an example of China-Africa solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation.

He called on Sierra Leonean journalists to become witnesses to the "real China," communicators of friendship between the two peoples and defenders of China-Sierra Leone friendship, while encouraging more reporting on practical cooperation and positive people-to-people exchanges.

Zhao highlighted growing economic ties, saying bilateral trade reached $2.3 billion in 2025, an increase of nearly 30 percent from 2024. Sierra Leone's exports to China increased by more than 40 percent during the same period, while overall trade between the two countries grew by nearly 38 percent in the first half of 2026.

Attendees at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone's Media Open Day on Aug. 20, 2026. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

The ambassador said China's zero-tariff treatment had contributed to the growth and noted ongoing discussions to expand Sierra Leonean exports to China, including palm oil, coffee and cocoa.

The speech also highlighted cultural and media activities marking the 55th anniversary, including SLBC's "Talk to China" program, an SLAJ short-video competition themed "China-Sierra Leone Cooperation in My Eyes," and a five-part documentary produced by SLBC, AYV and Star TV.

Turning to China's economic performance, Zhao noted that the country's GDP reached 69.57 trillion yuan ($10.25 trillion) in the first half of 2026, with 6.95 million new urban jobs created. Total imports and exports reached 25.47 trillion yuan ($3.75 trillion), up 16.9 percent year on year. He reaffirmed China's commitment to high-quality development and called for greater international cooperation amid rising unilateralism and protectionism.

Zhao also outlined measures facilitating people-to-people exchanges during the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Eligible Sierra Leonean diplomatic and service passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days under the bilateral agreement. The Chinese Embassy has also removed the appointment requirement for visa applications, while applicants for short-term visas of no more than 180 days are exempt from fingerprint collection.

More than 6,000 Sierra Leoneans travelled to China in 2025, he said, encouraging more people to visit and experience China.

The Media Open Day featured a documentary on China-Sierra Leone people-to-people exchanges, testimonies from journalists who had visited China and a question-and-answer session.

Zhao urged journalists to uphold professional standards and objective reporting, while remaining vigilant against misinformation.

He thanked Sierra Leonean media institutions for supporting mutual understanding and expressed hope that journalists would continue to document the friendship and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Abu Bakarr Kargbo is a Copy/News Editor of Standard Times Newspaper in Sierra Leone.