China has expressed strong opposition to Taiwan’s growing engagement with Somaliland, a self-declared republic that proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to the one-China principle, emphasizing that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
Beijing urged Somalia to maintain this principle and resist any actions that could compromise China’s territorial integrity.
This diplomatic tension intensified following Taiwan’s participation in the inauguration of Somaliland’s new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Irro.
Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Wu Chih-Chung, attended the ceremony as a special envoy, signaling deepening ties between Taiwan and Somaliland.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, criticized Taiwan’s actions, stating, “There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of it.”
She commended Somalia’s adherence to the one-China policy and called on all relevant parties to align with international norms, opposing any form of official exchanges between Taiwan and Somaliland.
Taiwan and Somaliland established formal ties in 2020, with Taiwan investing in various sectors, including healthcare and technology, in Somaliland.
This partnership offers Somaliland an opportunity to gain international attention and support, while Taiwan views it as a strategic foothold in Africa to enhance its global presence.
China’s condemnation of these relations underscores its sensitivity to any international engagement with Taiwan that could be perceived as a challenge to its sovereignty claims.
The situation adds complexity to the geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, with potential implications for regional stability.
