Opening ceremony of the Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations between the two self-governing democracies. (Photo: MFA Somaliland via Twitter)
Trending Now: Taiwan Office Rejects China's Claims
In an official statement released from Hargeisa, Taiwan defended the recently signed Taiwan–Somaliland Coast Guard Agreement, describing it as a critical step forward in strengthening maritime security and regional cooperation. The agreement coincided with an official visit led by Somaliland Foreign Minister H.E. Abdirahman Dahir Adam, marking what Taiwan called the beginning of a new chapter in multilateral collaboration in the Horn of Africa.
Taiwan emphasized that the strategic initiative aims to support the vision of a “Non-Red Somaliland Coastline”, contributing to a Blue Economy and reinforcing regional stability. The statement noted that Taiwan is committed to working with partners such as the USA, UK, EU, and other regional actors to uphold a rule-based international order in the region.
Responding directly to criticism from the Chinese Embassy in Somalia, Taiwan condemned what it described as “hostile rhetoric” and “cognitive warfare” designed to destabilize regional peace.
> “Instead of resorting to bullying tactics, China should uphold values of peace and stability,” the statement read, calling on the Chinese mission to refrain from interference in Somaliland-Taiwan cooperation.
The Representative Office also challenged China's long-standing claims over Taiwan, stating emphatically that:
> “Neither Taiwan nor China is subordinate to the other, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has never governed Taiwan for a second.”
The office asserted Taiwan’s identity as a sovereign and democratic nation, rejecting the PRC's attempts to claim historical or political legitimacy over the island. Taiwan argued that China’s campaign to block international cooperation—such as the one between Taiwan and Somaliland—was politically motivated and unacceptable.
The statement also addressed the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, often cited by Beijing in its claim that Taiwan is part of the PRC. Taiwan clarified that the resolution only addressed the issue of Chinese representation at the UN and did not mention Taiwan nor assert that it is part of the PRC.
> “Only the democratically-elected government of Taiwan has the right to represent the Taiwanese people,” the office added.
Taiwan further noted that G7 nations have repeatedly opposed any unilateral moves by China to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, especially those involving coercion or military force.
In conclusion, the Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland stated:
> “This Office categorically rejects China’s false claims of territorial sovereignty that completely distort the fundamental truth.”
The rebuke underscores the increasing visibility of Taiwan’s foreign policy presence in Africa and signals a deepening of bilateral ties between Hargeisa and Taipei—much to Beijing’s dismay.
