China has voiced firm opposition to any move that undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity, reaffirming its support for a unified Somali state following Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent country.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, a foreign ministry spokesperson said China rejects attempts to divide Somalia and warned against external actors backing separatist movements for their own interests. The spokesperson stressed that such actions risk deepening instability in the Horn of Africa.
China also called on authorities in Somaliland to halt what it described as separatist activities and cooperation with outside forces, reiterating Beijing’s long held position in support of state sovereignty and non interference.
Somaliland has operated with de facto autonomy since 1991, when Somalia collapsed into civil war, and has maintained relative stability compared with other parts of the country. However, it has failed to gain international recognition for more than three decades.
Israel announced last week that it intends to pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland across sectors including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy, a move that has triggered strong regional and international criticism.
Somalia’s government condemned the recognition as an unlawful act and a direct violation of its sovereignty, while several countries have warned that the decision risks fuelling fragmentation and wider instability across the region.