China’s top diplomat Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty during a phone call on Sunday, framing unity as an unbroken national lifeline.
He told Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Dhaay that China stands firmly behind Somalia’s territorial integrity and rejects any separatist ambitions involving Somaliland.
Wang warned against what he described as Somaliland’s attempts to collude with Taiwan authorities, calling such efforts a challenge to Somalia’s recognised national boundaries.
He said China and Somalia share a long friendship, adding that Beijing’s policy towards Mogadishu remains consistently friendly and supportive.
Wang pledged to deepen cooperation with Somalia across economic, security and defence fields, regardless of shifting international winds.
Dhaay welcomed China’s backing, thanking Beijing for supporting Somalia’s fight against separatism, terrorism and threats to national stability.
The remarks followed Israel’s December decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, a move that stirred sharp regional criticism.
Somaliland has operated as a self-governing territory since 1991, yet it remains without international recognition as a sovereign country.
Wang made the comments while visiting Africa, with a planned stop in Somalia postponed after consultations between both foreign ministries.
In a separate call, Wang urged South Africa to strengthen strategic partnership with China, promoting trade, people-to-people ties and African development.
South Africa’s foreign minister welcomed China’s support for the G20 summit and reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and the one-China policy.
