By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – China has strongly condemned a letter by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz urging former President Donald Trump to officially recognize Somaliland, calling the move a blatant interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu described Cruz’s appeal as a direct attack on Somalia’s sovereignty and an act that undermines relations between Somalia and China.
“This interference clearly violates international law and the UN Charter, which uphold the sovereignty of member states as a cornerstone of global peace and stability,” the embassy said. It further denounced the senator’s request as “an act of political coercion and hegemonism imposed on the Somali people by certain U.S. politicians.”
The statement also reiterated Beijing’s position on Taiwan, insisting it remains an inseparable part of mainland China and condemning foreign powers for supporting separatist agendas. The embassy stressed that China reserves the right to take any necessary measures to defend its territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The reaction follows a formal letter sent by Senator Cruz—chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs—on August 14 to former President Trump, pressing the U.S. to recognize Somaliland. In his appeal, Cruz argued that Somaliland has become a key American partner in security, counterterrorism, and anti-piracy operations. He also cited Somaliland’s growing ties with Taiwan, its interest in establishing relations with Israel, and its support for the Abraham Accords.
Cruz further accused the Chinese Communist Party of using economic and diplomatic pressure to punish Somaliland for aligning with Taiwan.
The Somali Federal Government has also strongly rejected Cruz’s proposal, warning that recognition of Somaliland would jeopardize ongoing efforts to combat extremist groups and threaten Somalia’s unity.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains unrecognized internationally but has welcomed Senator Cruz’s push for recognition as a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
