China has criticised any attempt to divide Somali territory, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday, reaffirming its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
“No country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests,” ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, urging authorities in Somaliland to stop “separatist activities and collusion with external forces”.
The remarks come after Israel formally recognised the Republic of Somaliland as Africa’s 55th independent state, the most significant diplomatic breakthrough for the Horn of Africa territory since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel, alongside Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Somaliland’s president, signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition, describing the move as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords championed by US President Donald Trump.
Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Israel’s recognition as a “historic milestone” affirming the territory’s long-standing claim to sovereignty, peace, and democratic governance.
Somaliland’s long road to recognition
Business Insider Africa earlier reported that strategic geopolitical, security and trade considerations are driving Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
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Situated on the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, Somaliland sits at one of the world’s most important shipping corridors, through which a significant share of global trade and energy flows.
The route has become increasingly vulnerable due to instability in Yemen and repeated Houthi attacks.
By strengthening ties with Somaliland, Israel gains a potential security and intelligence partner in a highly strategic region, bolstering maritime surveillance, counter-terrorism cooperation and early-warning capabilities.
