By Said Jama Mire
In 2025, Somalia and the People’s Republic of China celebrated a remarkable milestone 65 years of unwavering diplomatic relations rooted in mutual trust, strategic cooperation and shared aspirations. This anniversary not only commemorates decades of friendship but also highlights the deep-seated historical, cultural and geopolitical ties that continue to shape and enhance their partnership today.
Somalia’s diplomatic relationship with China was established remarkably soon after the country gained independence. On December 14, 1960, merely over five months after Somalia declared independence, it became the first country in East Africa to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. This early acknowledgment signified a mutual commitment to development, sovereignty and international solidarity, laying a strong foundation for a long-term alliance rooted in shared ideals and cooperative endeavors.
Long before formal diplomatic ties, Somalia and China shared significant cultural and maritime links through ancient trade and exploration. During the Tang and Song dynasties, Chinese maritime routes facilitated commerce, cultural exchange and knowledge transfer between East Asia and Africa. The legendary voyages of Admiral Zheng He during the Ming Dynasty exemplify this historic connection, symbolizing China’s early engagement with Africa. These exchanges fostered a legacy of mutual curiosity and cooperation that continues to underpin their modern relationship.
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, Somalia boasts Africa’s longest coastline on the mainland. This prime location makes Somalia a critical gateway for maritime trade, regional security and energy transit, imparting substantial geopolitical importance. Furthermore, Somalia’s abundant resources – minerals, fisheries, agriculture, livestock and potential hydrocarbons – make it an attractive partner for nations seeking resource access and regional influence.
Conversely, China’s advancements in technology and substantial capital reserves, as well as its expertise in infrastructure, industrialization and sustainable development complement Somalia’s strategic advantages. The synergy generated by Somalia’s geographic and resource wealth with China’s development capacity offers promising opportunities for mutual growth, fostering economic expansion, regional stability and shared prosperity.
A key milestone in Somalia-China relations was in 1964, when Chinese premier Zhou Enlai visited Somalia alongside vice premier Chen Yi. This high-level engagement deepened cooperation across political, economic and cultural spheres. Over subsequent decades, such exchanges facilitated extensive development projects, regional stability initiatives and strategic collaborations that laid a strong foundation for their enduring partnership.
Somalia has been a steadfast supporter of China’s rightful place at the United Nations. On October 25, 1971, Somalia was one of the 23 countries to co-sponsor the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 which restored the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China and affirmed China’s status as the sole legitimate government of China. Somalia has upheld this stance for over five decades. This principled support exemplifies Somalia’s commitment to sovereignty and the recognition of China’s role within the international community.
In recent years, China-Somalia relationship has progressed. This progression has been facilitated through multilateral platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. These forums have expanded cooperation in infrastructure, trade, regional security and capacity building.
Most notably, at the 2024 FOCAC summit in Beijing, the leaders of Somalia and China engaged in high-level discussions, leading to the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. This new status reflects their mutual dedication to enhancing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security, sustainable growth and regional stability pillars essential for their shared future.
Recent high-level discussions between Somalia and China underscore their unwavering commitment to sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Both nations reaffirmed their strategic partnership and mutual support, emphasizing respect for international laws and principles. Moving forward, Somalia and China have pledged to deepen cooperation across trade, development and peace initiatives in the Horn of Africa. This renewed commitment highlights the importance of strengthening international cooperation based on mutual respect and non-interference, a foundation for a collaborative future that benefits both countries and promotes regional peace and stability.
Somalia-China partnership now is standing at a promising juncture. Both nations are committed to leveraging their respective strengths – Somalia’s abundant resources, strategic maritime position and regional influence, alongside China’s technological prowess and investment capacity to foster sustainable development and regional stability. Together, they aim to unlock new opportunities in resource management, infrastructure development and regional integration, ultimately benefiting their populations and the broader region.
The 65th anniversary of Somalia-China diplomatic relations exemplifies a resilient model of international friendship built on a rich historical legacy, strengthened through principled support for sovereignty, and continually evolving through strategic and economic partnerships. Their enduring relationship serves as a testament to the power of diplomatic perseverance, mutual respect and shared vision, demonstrating that true partnerships grounded in mutual understanding can withstand the tests of time.
In this context, the recent high-level dialogues not only reinforce their fundamental bonds but also signal a shared aspiration for lasting peace, prosperity and regional stability. The partnership between Somalia and China stands as an inspiring example of how international friendship, built on respect and common interests, can foster a brighter, more cooperative future for all.
The author is director of Asia and Australia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
