MOGADISHU, Somalia — China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected in Mogadishu soon, meeting Somali leaders following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, officials said.
The delegation will meet President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, marking the first international visit since Israel recognized Somaliland.
China condemned Israel’s recognition, calling it a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity and warning against supporting secessionist groups for narrow national interests.
“China firmly supports Somalia’s independence, unity, and territorial integrity, opposing any action that divides the country,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in a statement.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991, but few countries recognize it; Israel is the first, while China and Eritrea voiced strong opposition publicly.
