Hargeisa (SLpost) — The Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland has rejected what it described as “false claims” by the Chinese Embassy in Somalia concerning Taiwan’s status and Somaliland’s political position, while praising Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) for his continued support for Taiwan–Somaliland relations.
In a statement, the Taiwan Representative Office said it appreciated President Irro’s “rock-solid support and endorsement” of the Taiwan–Somaliland relationship and partnership during his visit to the United States.
Taiwan said growing support from what it described as democratic, like-minded partners for the Taiwan–Somaliland partnership could generate greater international attention, support and opportunities for both sides.
China Reaffirms Its Position on Taiwan and Somaliland
The Taiwan statement followed comments issued on September 16 by the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu in response to President Irro’s remarks concerning Taiwan during his visit to the United States.
The Chinese Embassy said Somaliland’s position had “blatantly violated the one-China principle” and “seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Beijing said it “resolutely opposes and severely condemns” the position.
The embassy reiterated China’s position that there is only one China, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
Beijing also reaffirmed its position on Somaliland, stating that “Somaliland is an inalienable part of Somalia’s territory.” It said China firmly supports the Federal Government of Somalia in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposes any move to split Somali territory.
Taiwan Disputes Beijing’s Position
The Taiwan Representative Office strongly disputed Beijing’s position on Taiwan, stating that “China’s repeated lies will not become a truth.”
The office reiterated its position that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. It further argued that the People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan and therefore maintains that Taiwan is not part of the People’s Republic of China.
The office also addressed United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, arguing that the resolution does not mention Taiwan and does not authorize the People’s Republic of China to represent Taiwan at the United Nations.
“No country has the right or power to deny the objective fact of Taiwan’s existence and contribution,” the statement said.
Taiwan Calls for Change in China’s Approach
The Taiwan Representative Office called on the Chinese Embassy in Somalia to end what it characterized as coercive actions and rhetoric concerning Taiwan and Somaliland.
It also urged China to uphold what it described as the principles of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The exchange reflects the sharply differing positions of Beijing and Taipei over Taiwan’s international status, while China and Somaliland also maintain opposing positions over Somaliland’s political status.
Taiwan and Somaliland have maintained representative offices in each other’s country since 2020, reflecting their expanding political and economic engagement.
Taiwan’s latest statement places particular emphasis on President Irro’s support for the partnership, arguing that closer cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland, alongside support from other international partners, could create additional opportunities for both sides.
Reporting by Somalilandpost News
