By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Somalia, 21 May 2026 Somalia has reaffirmed its support for the One-China principle following talks between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and China’s ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, in Mogadishu.
According to a statement issued by Villa Somalia on Wednesday, the meeting focused on bilateral relations, development cooperation and ways to strengthen diplomatic ties between Somalia and China.
The presidency said Somalia reiterated its recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and reaffirmed its opposition to any form of what Beijing describes as “Taiwan independence.”
“Somalia remains committed to the One-China principle,” Villa Somalia said in the statement.
President Hassan Sheikh also thanked China for its continued support for Somalia’s state-building efforts and for backing Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, according to the statement.
China is one of Somalia’s major development partners and has supported infrastructure, health and education projects across the country in recent years.
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The meeting came days after Taiwan sent a congratulatory message to Somaliland on May 18, marking the anniversary of the region’s 1991 declaration of independence from Somalia.
Taiwan and Somaliland have expanded ties in recent years and maintain representative offices in Taipei and Hargeisa. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received international recognition.
Somalia is among African countries that formally support the One-China principle and maintains diplomatic relations exclusively with Beijing.
In April, Somalia announced that passports and travel documents issued by Taiwan would no longer be accepted for entry, transit or exit through the country, saying the decision was consistent with Somalia’s sovereignty and the One-China policy.
China and Taiwan have long disagreed over the island’s status. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taiwan’s government says the island is self-governing.