China has consistently condemned the diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Somaliland, urging Hargeisa to sever these ties. In December 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China’s stance, emphasizing that “there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of it.” She praised 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.
This diplomatic tension escalated following Taiwan’s participation in the inauguration of Somaliland’s new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Irro.
China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa urged Somaliland to reconsider its relationship with Taiwan, stating that China would not tolerate actions harming its unity with Taiwan.
The establishment of representative offices between Taiwan and Somaliland in 2020 marked the beginning of their formal relations. This move was met with strong opposition from both China and Somalia, who accused Taiwan of infringing on Somalia’s sovereignty and violating its territorial integrity.
Despite these pressures, Somaliland has maintained its diplomatic engagement with Taiwan, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.