HARGEISA (SD) – The Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland has issued a statement responding to remarks and accusations from the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu, which condemned the recent maritime cooperation agreement signed between Taiwan and Somaliland.

According to the statement, the new agreement is part of broader efforts to enhance maritime security. It aligns with Somaliland’s strategic objective of maintaining a coastline free from foreign influence or interference — a key pillar in its vision to develop a sustainable Blue Economy.

The Taiwan Office emphasized that Taiwan is committed to strengthening its cooperation with international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and countries in the region, to support peace, stability, and a rules-based international order.

The statement also called on the Chinese government to halt actions described as oppressive and provocative in the region, stressing that efforts should focus on supporting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, rather than fueling tension.

Taiwan reiterated that it and China are separate entities and that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has never governed Taiwan — not even for a single second. Taiwan affirmed its status as a sovereign nation that has never been under Beijing’s control. Therefore, China’s attempts to obstruct Taiwan-Somaliland cooperation were described as groundless and illegitimate.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu strongly objected to the Taiwan-Somaliland maritime agreement, describing it as a violation of the “One China Principle.” China argued that the agreement threatens its territorial integrity and called for it to be annulled.

In response, Somaliland also rejected China’s accusations, stating that its agreement with Taiwan is purely for security and development purposes and poses no threat to China’s interests. Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, stated that the agreement aims to enhance security along Somaliland’s coastline.