China condemns Somaliland President over Taiwan comments during U.S. visit

China has issued a sharp rebuke against Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro following comments regarding Taiwan made during his visit to the United States. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy stated that the regional authority’s position “blatantly violated” the One China principle and infringed upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Beijing characterized the Taiwan issue as a “red line” and warned that crossing it would lead to “serious consequences.” While condemning the comments, the embassy reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, noting that Somaliland remains an inalienable part of Somalia.

Concurrently, President Irro has been engaging in diplomatic outreach in Washington, including an address at the Hudson Institute. His administration is attempting to position Somaliland as a strategic partner for the United States in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing its maritime importance near the Bab el-Mandeb and the Port of Berbera to assist with regional security and counterterrorism efforts.