China opposes Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

China on Monday said it firmly opposes Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an “independent sovereign state” and its agreement to “establish diplomatic relations” with it.

Israel on Friday became the first country to recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid a descent into conflict.

Beijing firmly supports



Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any moves that undermine Somali territorial integrity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing here.

Lin said the Somaliland issue is entirely an internal affair of Somalia and should be resolved by the Somali people in a manner consistent with their national conditions and constitution.