China has strongly condemned a recent agreement between Somaliland and Taiwan, accusing both of violating the “one-China principle” and undermining Beijing’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement released on July 28, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Somalia criticized the visit by Somaliland’s head of external affairs to Taiwan and the signing of a so-called “Coast Guard Cooperation Deal” between the two self-governing regions.
“The Somaliland regional authority’s action has blatantly violated the one-China principle,” the embassy said. “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing all of China.”
The embassy called the agreement between Taiwan and Somaliland a “self-deceiving” attempt to gain international recognition and warned that such cooperation would not halt what it described as the inevitable reunification of China.
China to Somaliland
China referenced several historical documents including the 1943 Cairo Declaration, the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, and the 1971 U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 — to assert its legal claim over Taiwan.
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“Somaliland is a part of Somalia’s territory,” the statement added, urging the region to avoid “official interaction” with Taiwan and to “refrain from running against the historical trend.”
Neither Taiwan nor Somaliland has been widely recognized as independent states, but both operate with de facto autonomy. The two have developed diplomatic ties in recent years, drawing Beijing’s ire as it seeks to isolate Taiwan on the global stage.
The agreement was signed on July 24, 2025, in Taipei during a visit by Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam and his delegation.
Key Details of the Agreement
The agreement was signed by Somaliland Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration Director-General Chang Chung-lung.
The agreement aims to improve maritime security along Somaliland’s 850-kilometer coastline, which is strategically located along the Gulf of Aden. This includes provisions for joint coast guard training, maritime rescue operations, and personnel exchanges.
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Both parties are looking to tap into the blue economy, with Somaliland’s waters holding the potential for over 200,000 metric tons of fish annually. The cooperation is expected to create jobs and stimulate trade, enhancing local livelihoods.
Strategic Significance
This agreement shows the growing strategic partnership between Taiwan and Somaliland, both of which are unrecognized governments seeking broader international partnerships.
The partnership is seen as a counter to regional pressures, particularly from authoritarian regimes.
During their visit, Somaliland officials also explored opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital development, indicating a desire to deepen bilateral ties beyond maritime security.
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