China’s special envoy to the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing, visited Somalia to reinforce Beijing’s commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty amidst rising calls from U.S. officials for the recognition of Somaliland. During his trip to Mogadishu, Xue assured Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that China supports Somalia in preserving its national unity and territorial integrity.
Xue’s visit comes shortly after the December 12 inauguration of Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, as the new president of Somaliland. Although Somaliland declared independence in 1991, it has not received international recognition, with Somalia continuing to view it as a part of its northern territory. The inauguration was attended by Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-Chung, triggering protests from Beijing. China opposes any official exchanges between Taiwan and Somaliland, considering Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, the presence of U.S. officials, including Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley, at the ceremony highlights growing American backing for Somaliland’s push for statehood. U.S. Republican leaders, especially within the Trump administration, have been advocating for the recognition of Somaliland. Recently, Congressman Scott Perry introduced a bill in the U.S. Congress urging formal recognition of Somaliland, citing its stable democratic processes and peaceful transitions of power.
The debate over Somaliland’s recognition has become entangled in the broader geopolitical rivalry between China and the U.S. in the Horn of Africa, a region strategically important due to its location along major shipping routes. Both China and the U.S. are vying for influence, particularly in the region’s ports. China has made significant investments in Djibouti’s infrastructure and operates a military base there, while the U.S. has explored the potential use of Somaliland’s Port of Berbera as an alternative to its base in Djibouti.
Experts warn that formal recognition of Somaliland could deepen regional divisions and escalate tensions between global powers. Such a move could strengthen Somaliland’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan and complicate China’s regional efforts, further intensifying the U.S.-China competition in this critical area.