Wayne Lumbasi
China has strongly opposed any international recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed its firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, following recent diplomatic developments surrounding the self declared region.
Speaking through its foreign ministry, China said Somaliland remains an inseparable part of Somalia and warned that unilateral recognition of the region undermines international law and risks destabilising the Horn of Africa. Beijing stressed that Somalia’s unity must be respected and that its internal affairs should not be interfered with by external actors.
The statement came in response to Israel’s recent move to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a decision that has triggered sharp reactions across Africa and beyond. China described the move as irresponsible and said it runs counter to the principles of the United Nations Charter, which emphasise respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Chinese officials reiterated that Beijing fully supports the federal government of Somalia and backs its efforts to safeguard national unity while pursuing stability and reconstruction after decades of conflict. China also urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate regional tensions or complicate ongoing peace and state building efforts in Somalia.
At international forums, including the United Nations Security Council, China has echoed similar concerns, calling on countries to respect Africa’s established borders and to support solutions led by Somalis themselves. Beijing noted that the African Union and several regional organizations have consistently opposed recognition of Somaliland, arguing that such decisions should only emerge through dialogue between Somalia’s federal government and regional authorities.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, and has since operated with its own institutions, currency, and security forces. However, it has not been recognised by the United Nations or the vast majority of states, with most of the international community continuing to view it as part of Somalia.
China’s position aligns with its long standing foreign policy principle of opposing separatism and supporting the sovereignty of recognised states. Analysts say Beijing’s stance is also shaped by its own sensitivity to separatist movements and its emphasis on non interference in the internal affairs of other countries. As diplomatic reactions continue to unfold, China has called for renewed international support for Somalia’s unity and warned that recognition of breakaway regions sets a dangerous precedent that could fuel further instability in fragile regions around the world.
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