On December 29, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference. Some reporters asked questions. On December 26, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced that Israel officially recognizes Somaliland as an “independent sovereign country.” Israeli Foreign Minister Saar announced that Israel and Somaliland have signed an agreement on mutual recognition and full diplomatic relations. What comments does the Chinese side have on this? Lin Jian said that China is seriously concerned about this move and resolutely opposes it. The Chinese side notes that the Federal Government of Somalia immediately issued a statement and resolutely rejected this move. Regional organizations such as the African Union, the Arab League, the GCC, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and IGAD also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation. Lin Jian pointed out that according to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, Somaliland is an inalienable part of the Somali territory. China firmly supports the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, and opposes any act of dividing the Somali territory. The Somaliland issue is entirely an internal matter of Somalia, and it is up to the people of Somalia to resolve it in a manner consistent with their own national conditions and constitution. Countries outside the country should stop undue interference, and no country should encourage and support separatist forces within other countries for their own self-interest. “We urge the Somaliland authorities to understand the situation and immediately stop separatist activities and links with external forces.” Lin Jian said.

On December 29, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference. Some reporters asked questions. On December 26, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced that Israel officially recognizes Somaliland as an “independent sovereign country.” Israeli Foreign Minister Saar announced that Israel and Somaliland have signed an agreement on mutual recognition and full diplomatic relations. What comments does the Chinese side have on this? Lin Jian said that China is seriously concerned about this move and resolutely opposes it. The Chinese side notes that the Federal Government of Somalia immediately issued a statement and resolutely rejected this move. Regional organizations such as the African Union, the Arab League, the GCC, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and IGAD also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation. Lin Jian pointed out that according to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, Somaliland is an inalienable part of the Somali territory. China firmly supports the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, and opposes any act of dividing the Somali territory. The Somaliland issue is entirely an internal matter of Somalia, and it is up to the people of Somalia to resolve it in a manner consistent with their own national conditions and constitution. Countries outside the country should stop undue interference, and no country should encourage and support separatist forces within other countries for their own self-interest. “We urge the Somaliland authorities to understand the situation and immediately stop separatist activities and links with external forces.” Lin Jian said.