HARGEISA (SD) – The Taiwan office in Somaliland issued a statement responding to the call made by Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs, who advised that Washington should recognize the independence of Somaliland. It also stated that it is not part of China.

The statement said that Taiwan is pleased that the Senator expressed his support for Somaliland’s recognition, noting that this is in the national interest of the United States. The office also mentioned that Taiwan has previously held discussions and understandings on this issue with like-minded countries and friends, and it hopes that support will continue to grow.

Taiwan further stated that its relationship with Somaliland is based on shared democratic values, and at the same time, it hopes to gain global support.

It also emphasized that Taiwan has never been governed by Beijing since its existence, and therefore China’s claim is baseless. “Neither China nor Taiwan governs the other; China has never ruled Taiwan for even a second.”

China, quickly responding to Taiwan’s statement, said that Beijing is responsible for Taiwan and that it is the only legitimate government; therefore, Taiwan’s remarks are misleading.

Likewise, the Somaliland office in Taiwan stated that Somaliland will not bow to China’s pressure and that it will work with any like-minded parties, such as the United States and Taiwan.

The governments of Somalia and China, on one side, strongly oppose the Somaliland–Taiwan relationship and are working to block recognition. On the other hand, Taiwan and Somaliland are striving to build international relations.