China warns Somaliland after Israel recognition

China has expressed its opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation, warning the breakaway state against separatism.

The Foreign Ministry advised the Somaliland authorities to get a clear sense of where things are headed, and “stop their separatist activities and collusion with external forces.”

At a briefing, a spokesperson, Lin Jian, stressed that no country should “seek selfish interests by aiding and abetting separatism in other countries.”

Beijing pointed to the reactions of Somalia, the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which deplored Israel’s action.

The Chinese government insists that the principles of the UN Charter and international law recognize Somaliland as “an inalienable part of Somalia’s territory.”

Affirming its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, China declared that the issue of Somaliland “is entirely Somalia’s internal affair.”

At the UN Security Council on Monday, the United States chastised countries opposing Israel’s decision, wondering why such outrage was not displayed when the “nonexistent Palestinian state” was recognized.

After the joint declaration signing by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi, Israel said it “immediately” plans to expand its relations with its new ally.

Netanyahu has invited Abdullahi to pay an official visit to Israel as Jerusalem and Hargeisa move to develop their partnership in agriculture, economy, health, and technology.