China's foreign minister Wang Yi phoned Somalia's top diplomat on Jan. 11 to reaffirm Beijing's support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He denounced what China described as Somaliland's "collusion with Taiwan authorities to seek independence," referring to the self-declared breakaway region. The Somalia stop on Wang's New Year Africa tour — which also includes Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho — was postponed owing to a "schedule change," the Chinese embassy said.
China Reaffirms Support for Somalia, Criticizes Somaliland–Taiwan Ties as Visit Is Postponed
FILE PHOTO: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivers his speech at the opening ceremony of the Lanting Forum in Beijing, China, October 27, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo
BEIJING, Jan 11 — China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, told his Somali counterpart in a phone call on Jan. 11 that Beijing supports Somalia's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.
Speaking during a visit to Africa, Wang was quoted saying China opposes Somaliland's "collusion with Taiwan authorities to seek independence," a reference to the self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but is not widely recognized internationally.
Planned Visit Postponed
Somalia had been due to be included on Wang's annual New Year tour of Africa — which also lists Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho — but the planned stop in the East African nation was postponed, with the Chinese embassy citing a "schedule change" for the delay. No further details were provided by officials.
This exchange highlights Beijing's public support for Somalia's territorial integrity and its sensitivity to any perceived engagement that could bolster separatist claims.
Reporting by Yukun Zhang and Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Tomasz Janowski
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