China makes commitment to African nation after Israeli move
China will continue to support Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.
The minister made the commitment during a telephone conversation with his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, on Sunday, according to an official statement.
The talks came after Israel signed a declaration on December 26 recognizing Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as a sovereign state. West Jerusalem became the first and only country to recognize the region, which has been self-governing since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. The Israeli government’s move has faced widespread criticism, with the African Union calling for its immediate revocation.
On Sunday, the Chinese foreign minister reiterated Beijing’s opposition to any attempts by Somaliland to “collude” with Taiwan in seeking “independence.”
He said that in response to “changes in the international situation,” China will strengthen its cooperation with Somalia in areas such as security, defense, and trade, while also advancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“The two countries have always respected and supported each other, and the China-Somalia strategic partnership will not be affected by temporary events,” Wang stated.
In response, Somalia’s foreign minister thanked China for supporting the East African country in “opposing all acts of separatism and terrorism, and helping Somalia achieve national stability and development.”
Wang was set to visit Somalia as part of his annual New Year tour of Africa, but the trip was postponed due to what the Chinese Embassy described as a “schedule change” and “friendly negotiations.”
The diplomat visited Tanzania and Ethiopia, ending his six-day trip with a final stop in Lesotho. On January 8, he launched the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa to strengthen cooperation and promote a “brighter future” for relations between Beijing, Africa, and the Global South.
China has maintained its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 straight years. In 2024, trade with African countries reached a record $295.6 billion, a 4.8% increase from the previous year, the Ministry of Commerce reported last May.
