Mogadishu, Somalia — The Chinese Embassy in Somalia has issued a sharp rebuke against recent remarks by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who urged Washington to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
In a statement released late Saturday, the Embassy denounced Cruz’s call to President Donald Trump as “baseless attacks against China and China-Somalia relations,” stressing Beijing’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The Chinese Embassy in Somalia firmly opposes this misconduct. Senator Cruz’s remarks constitute serious interference in the internal affairs of Somalia and reflect the hegemonic and bullying attitude of certain U.S. politicians towards the Somali people,” the statement read.
Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas, had earlier written to Trump arguing that recognizing Somaliland would be a “major diplomatic victory” and a reward for its decades-long pursuit of independence. His appeal has reignited debate over Somaliland’s political status, which has remained unresolved since the region declared unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991.
Beijing, a key partner and ally of Mogadishu, has consistently backed Somalia’s federal government and opposed any moves to fragment the country. China’s response underscores its strategic interest in the Horn of Africa, where it has deep economic and security ties, including its only overseas military base in neighboring Djibouti.
Somalia’s government has also repeatedly rejected Somaliland’s recognition efforts, insisting that dialogue within the framework of Somalia’s unity remains the only viable path forward.
The latest diplomatic spat comes at a time when Mogadishu is navigating heightened geopolitical competition, with global powers including the U.S., China, and regional actors vying for influence in the Horn of Africa.