China has officially rejected any efforts to recognize Somaliland, emphasizing its unwavering support for the unity, sovereignty, and internationally recognized borders of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, during a regular briefing in Beijing, China cautioned against any foreign powers supporting separatist movements within sovereign states for their own strategic interests. “No country should encourage or support separatist forces within another nation to serve their own narrow objectives,” Lin stated.
The spokesperson further addressed the Somaliland administration directly, urging the regional authorities to cease unilateral secessionist activities and refrain from collaborating with external actors that might undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity. Lin warned that external support for such separatist ambitions could destabilize the broader Horn of Africa region.
Somaliland, located in northern Somalia, unilaterally declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Despite functioning with its own administrative structures, the region has not received wide international recognition. On December 26, Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state, announcing plans for rapid cooperation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, technology, and economic development.
China’s position underscores its longstanding support for Somalia in international forums, including the United Nations, where it has consistently opposed recognition of Somaliland and supported Somalia’s territorial integrity. Analysts note that China’s stance reflects both its principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and its growing economic and strategic interests in East Africa, where Beijing has heavily invested in infrastructure and trade projects.
“The stability, unity, and sovereignty of Somalia are paramount, and any attempts to divide the country risk destabilizing the region,” Lin Jian emphasized.
China’s statement signals to the international community that it remains committed to backing Somalia diplomatically and discouraging actions that could provoke secessionist tensions, particularly at a time when Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has generated significant regional and international debate.
This development adds to the growing list of international reactions to Israel’s recognition, which has been condemned by Somalia, the African Union, IGAD, the Arab League, and several other countries in the region, all stressing the illegality of unilateral recognition under international law and the potential destabilizing consequences for regional security.
