What You Need to Know
China’s Foreign Ministry has expressed strong opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement comes amid protests in Mogadishu against Israel’s decision, with demonstrators emphasizing their commitment to national unity and territorial defense.
Africa. China’s Foreign Ministry stated that it opposes any attempt to divide Somali territory and reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference that “no country should encourage or support internal separatist forces in other countries for its own selfish interests,” urging the authorities in Somaliland to cease “separatist activities and collusion with external forces.”
Hundreds of people protested in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, against Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, viewing it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
The demonstration in Mogadishu began with the singing of the Somali national anthem, followed by participants chanting slogans such as “Somalia is indivisible” and “Somaliland is part of Somalia.”
Protesters expressed their strong rejection of Israeli recognition, accusing Tel Aviv of undermining Somalia’s unity, and affirmed that Somalia would not concede an inch of its territory, indicating their readiness to sacrifice to defend their homeland.
Last Friday, Israel became the first entity to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent sovereign state, a move that has drawn widespread local, regional, and international condemnation.
The recognition of Somaliland by Israel marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has sought international recognition but remains unrecognized by the United Nations. China’s stance reflects its broader foreign policy of supporting territorial integrity and opposing separatist movements, particularly in regions where it has strategic interests.
