Somalia Reaffirms One-China Policy during Talks with Chinese Ambassador

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Republic of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the One-China policy during talks on Wednesday with Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu in Mogadishu, as the two sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries.

According to the Somali presidency, Somalia reiterated its recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing China and affirmed that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, while opposing any form of Taiwanese independence.

The One-China policy is the diplomatic principle under which countries recognize Beijing rather than Taipei as China’s official government. Most countries, including Somalia, do not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.

China has consistently opposed any official international recognition of Taiwan and has increased diplomatic pressure in recent years on governments and institutions engaging with Taipei.

President Mohamud also expressed appreciation for China’s continued support for Somalia’s state-building efforts and thanked Beijing for its backing of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.

Relations between Somalia and Taiwan became a point of tension in 2020 after Taiwan and Somaliland established representative offices in each other’s territories, a move strongly opposed by both Mogadishu and Beijing. Somalia’s federal government has repeatedly described Somaliland’s external diplomatic engagements as violations of the country’s sovereignty.

China has in recent years deepened its political and economic engagement in Somalia through infrastructure projects, development assistance and diplomatic cooperation as Beijing expands its influence across the Horn of Africa.

The meeting comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships with key international allies while rebuilding national institutions and addressing ongoing security and economic challenges.