The visit, which was scheduled for January 9, 2026, was officially delayed due to “schedule change,” as result of the China and Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussion. Despite early security measures in Mogadishu, including road closures, Wang Yi skipped the Somalia stop on his African tour and proceeded directly to Tanzania.
Clashing Narratives on Security
The postponement triggered a public exchange on social media involving the Chinese embassy in Mogadishu, and State Minister from the breakaway region of Somaliland:
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Somaliland Claims: Khadar Hussein Abdi, the Minister of the Presidency of Somaliland, claimed that Somalia was unable to “guarantee the security of its own guests”. He shared an alleged Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs press statement asserting that the visit was aborted due to “serious security concerns”.
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China’s Rebuttal: The Chinese Embassy in Somalia swiftly responded, labeling the claims a “shameful fabrication” and part of a “disinformation campaign”. The Embassy reaffirmed its diplomatic stance, stating that the reality of Somaliland being part of Somalia cannot be changed.
The friction comes at a period of heightened regional tension following Israel’s recent formal recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
