China Takes Stand on Somaliland Recognition After Israel’s Move
China has opposed the recognition of Somaliland, affirming its support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, the spokesperson urged authorities in Somaliland to stop the efforts to separate from Somalia with the help of foreign countries.
“No country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests,” ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
On Friday, December 26th, 2025, Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, seeking immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
China Joins Global Backlash Against Israel’s Somaliland Recognition
Besides China’s opposition to Somaliland recognition, other international bodies have also condemned the move.
The African Union, through its Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, issued a statement on the night of December 26, reaffirming its commitment to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
“Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” the statement read.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel’s recognition, stating:
“We support the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of Somalia and reject the Israeli recognition of Somaliland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine affirms its absolute support for the unity, sovereignty, and political independence of Somalia, ensuring the brotherly Somali people’s right to a dignified life, security, and stability, in line with international law, Arab and international consensus resolutions, and the resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”
Meanwhile, former Somali President Mohamed Farmaajo condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, saying it violates international law.
He stressed that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia and noted that the Somali people remain firmly united in defending their country’s sovereignty.
Somaliland Recognition by Israel
On Friday, December 26, Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
He congratulated Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership, and invited him to visit Israel.
In addition, Netanyahu said the declaration was in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.
“The declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump,” said Netanyahu.
The 2020 accords were brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s first administration and included Israel formalising diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with other countries joining later.
Therefore, Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Somaliland’s president signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition.
