The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, held a media briefing and exchange programme aimed at strengthening diplomatic engagement, promoting mutual understanding and highlighting China’s development cooperation with Sierra Leone and the wider African continent.
The briefing, presided over by Minister Counsellor Zhang Dianbin, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, focused on three major areas: the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), President Xi Jinping’s Four-Point Proposition on China–Africa Mining Cooperation and the four principles for resolving hotspot issues in Africa.
More than ten representatives from prominent Sierra Leonean media institutions, including A-Z Newspaper and The Calabash Newspaper, participated in the engagement, which provided a platform for discussions on China’s foreign policy priorities, development initiatives and longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone.
Addressing journalists, Minister Counsellor Zhang Dianbin emphasised that the Global Development Initiative and other important proposals advanced by Chinese President Xi Jinping are deeply rooted in the longstanding friendship and cooperation between China and Africa.
He explained that these initiatives provide strategic direction for strengthening China–Africa relations and expanding bilateral cooperation between China and Sierra Leone in the new era.
According to the Chinese diplomat, the proposals demonstrate China’s commitment to building an all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future, founded on mutual respect, shared prosperity and sustainable development.
Minister Counsellor Zhang further reaffirmed China’s readiness to work closely with African countries, including Sierra Leone, to translate President Xi Jinping’s policy proposals into concrete development actions capable of delivering meaningful benefits to their populations.
He stressed that China remains committed to advancing high-quality cooperation with Sierra Leone and other African nations, particularly in areas that support economic transformation, infrastructure development and sustainable growth.
The briefing also highlighted the significance of the Global Development Initiative, introduced by President Xi Jinping in 2021, as an international framework intended to strengthen development cooperation and accelerate progress towards sustainable development.
Particular attention was given to China’s proposed approach to mining cooperation with Africa, with discussions emphasising the importance of partnerships that promote mutual benefits, responsible resource management and long-term economic development.
Another major component of the engagement concerned the four principles proposed by President Xi Jinping for addressing hotspot issues in Africa, reflecting China’s stated commitment to supporting peace, stability and constructive dialogue across the continent.
Beyond the formal presentations, young diplomats from the Chinese Embassy conducted interactive exchanges with participating journalists on ten major questions of public interest concerning China–Sierra Leone cooperation.
The discussions provided an opportunity for media practitioners to seek clarification on bilateral relations, China’s development priorities and the opportunities available for strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Contributing to the engagement, Amin Kef, Publisher and Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, called for greater emphasis on mineral value addition, industrialisation, technology transfer, employment creation and sustainable economic development in China–Sierra Leone cooperation.
He described President Xi Jinping’s Four-Point Proposition on Mining Cooperation and the Global Development Initiative as important frameworks through which Sierra Leone could pursue stronger economic partnerships and maximise the benefits of its natural resources.
Amin Kef stressed that Sierra Leone should move beyond exporting raw minerals by encouraging local processing, skills development, responsible investment and the establishment of industries capable of generating employment opportunities.
He also highlighted the relevance of the Global Development Initiative to Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone programme, agricultural modernisation, renewable energy development, infrastructure expansion and broader industrial growth.
While acknowledging China’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s healthcare, education and infrastructure sectors, he encouraged greater investment in productive industries that could contribute to sustainable national development.
On the role of the media, Amin Kef emphasised the importance of balanced, accurate and responsible journalism in strengthening public understanding of international partnerships while promoting transparency and accountability.
He maintained that successful China–Africa cooperation should ultimately be assessed through tangible development outcomes, including jobs created, industries established and improvements in citizens’ living standards, rather than solely through investment figures or agreements signed.
The media briefing and exchange programme concluded in a cordial and interactive atmosphere, reflecting the Chinese Embassy’s continued engagement with Sierra Leonean journalists and its commitment to strengthening communication and mutual understanding.
The event also underscored the importance of sustained media dialogue in promoting awareness of China–Sierra Leone relations and exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation in economic development, mining, infrastructure and other sectors of mutual interest.
