China and Djibouti have reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity and opposed international recognition of Somaliland’s independence, days after US President Donald Trump described the breakaway African territory as “a totally different country” from Somalia.
- China and Djibouti issued a joint statement reaffirming Somalia's territorial integrity and opposing international recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
- This stance comes days after US President Donald Trump described Somaliland as distinct from Somalia, sparking celebrations in Somaliland.
- China and Djibouti signed a memorandum on security cooperation and called for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- The joint communiqué emphasized support for regional sovereignty and addressed security in the Horn of Africa and vital maritime routes.
According to Vue sur Djibouti (@View_of_Djib), an independent Djiboutian digital news platform, the two countries issued a joint statement following a meeting between their foreign ministers in Beijing and signed a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation under China’s Global Security Initiative.
The statement explicitly opposed recognising Somaliland as an independent entity and reaffirmed that the territory remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It also called for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, support for coastal states protecting maritime routes, and respect for regional sovereignty.
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Wang Yi met Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar on October 21, 2026. The joint communiqué also addressed peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and security along shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Red Sea security raises the stakes
Trump made his remarks at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 12, distinguishing Somaliland from Somalia while suggesting the territory should change its name. His comments prompted celebrations in Somaliland, where officials welcomed the description as recognition of its separate identity.
However, Trump’s statement did not amount to formal US recognition of Somaliland, and Washington has not officially changed its recognition policy.
China’s position contrasts with the US approach, as both countries seek to protect their strategic interests around the Horn of Africa and its vital maritime trade routes. Somaliland has offered the United States access to its port facilities, mineral resources and potential military bases in a bid to secure stronger American support.
For Washington, closer ties with Somaliland could provide access to Berbera port, located near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. A US military foothold there could strengthen its ability to monitor shipping and project power across the region.
For China, which operates its first overseas military base in neighbouring Djibouti, a stronger US presence in Somaliland could intensify competition over regional ports, military access and maritime security. Beijing has significant interests in keeping trade routes open, particularly those connecting China with European and African markets.
By reaffirming Somalia’s territorial integrity and opposing recognition of Somaliland’s independence, China is reinforcing a position that conflicts with Somaliland’s efforts to attract US backing.