China Issues Strong Warning to Somaliland Over Taiwan Remarks

MOGADISHU — The Chinese government has issued a strong response to remarks made by Somaliland leader Abdirahman Irro during his visit to the United States, including comments concerning his administration’s position on Taiwan.

In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Somalia, Beijing said the remarks contravene the One-China principle and undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Beijing reiterated its position that Taiwan is part of China’s territory and warned against any steps that contradict this stance.

China also stated that Somaliland is part of Somalia’s territory and expressed its support for the Federal Government of Somalia.

The Chinese Embassy said it opposes any action aimed at dividing Somali territory and issued a strong warning to the parties concerned.

Context of the Remarks

The statement follows Irro’s recent visit to Washington, where he is attempting to advance Somaliland’s campaign for international recognition. During the visit, Irro also addressed a range of foreign policy issues, including Taiwan.

China’s response reflects its longstanding position on both Taiwan and Somalia’s territorial integrity. Beijing has consistently opposed any moves it views as challenging the One-China principle, and has reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.

In January 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Dhaay held a high-level diplomatic exchange in which Beijing reaffirmed its strong backing for Somalia’s national unity and territorial integrity, explicitly rejecting any attempts by Somaliland to establish separate ties with Taiwan.

China has also previously rebuked US Senator Ted Cruz’s push for Somaliland recognition, with the Chinese Embassy in Somalia describing his remarks as “baseless attacks against China and China-Somalia relations” and “serious interference in the internal affairs of Somalia”.

In December 2024, China expressed strong opposition to Taiwan’s growing engagement with Somaliland following Taiwan’s participation in Irro’s inauguration ceremony, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating that “there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of it”.

Critical Note

The Chinese statement is a clear reaffirmation of Beijing’s established positions on Taiwan and Somalia’s territorial integrity. Its timing, duringr Irro’s Washington visit, indicates that China is monitoring Somaliland’s diplomatic outreach and is prepared to respond publicly when it perceives its interests or its stated principles to be challenged. The statement also reinforces China’s alignment with the Federal Government of Somalia on the question of Somaliland’s status.