China has criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, a move that prompted strong criticism from neighbouring countries.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that no country should “incite or support separatist forces” for “selfish interests”, characterising the territory as an “inseparable part” of Somalia.
“China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any act of splitting Somali territory,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday afternoon.
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“We urge the Somaliland authorities to recognise the situation and immediately cease separatist activities and collusion with external forces,” Lin said, calling the Somaliland issue “entirely Somalia’s internal affair” that “should be resolved by the Somali people in a manner consistent with their national conditions and constitution”.
Eritrea, a fellow Horn of Africa nation, said China could use its power at the UN Security Council to stop the formal recognition of Somaliland.
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On Sunday, the Eritrean Ministry of Information said the move was a “ploy” that had been “brewing for some time” to destabilise the region and was designed to incite “global crises and mayhem”.