China and Djibouti have reaffirmed their opposition to the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, declaring their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two countries outlined their position in a joint statement issued following talks in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar this week.
The statement rejected efforts to secure international diplomatic recognition for Somaliland, describing the breakaway territory as an inseparable part of Somalia.
Both governments also expressed opposition to any cooperation between Somaliland and Taiwan, reflecting Beijing’s longstanding objections to Taipei’s diplomatic engagement with the territory.
The declaration comes amid continuing tensions over Somaliland’s international status, particularly following Israel’s decision in December 2025 to become the first country to formally recognise its independence.
That move drew condemnation from Somalia and several other governments, which argued that recognising Somaliland undermined Somalia’s sovereignty and threatened regional stability.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. Since then, it has established its own governing institutions, security forces and political structures, operating largely independently of Mogadishu.
Despite exercising de facto control over its territory for more than three decades, Somaliland has struggled to secure widespread international recognition.
Somalia continues to regard the region as an integral part of its territory and maintains that foreign governments must engage with Somaliland through the federal authorities in Mogadishu.
