Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Mogadishu hosted a high-level reception to mark several landmark anniversaries: the 76th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and the restoration of Taiwan. The event brought together senior Somali officials, including the Speaker of the House of the People, H.E. Sheikh Adan Mohamed Noor (Madobe), Minister of Defence H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and the Chief of the Somali National Army, among other dignitaries and international representatives.
The ceremony served as a powerful platform to celebrate China’s journey of national rejuvenation, reflect on its historical contributions, and reaffirm the strong, strategic partnership between China and Somalia.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Somalia, H.E. Wang Yu, welcomed the distinguished guests and used the occasion to honor the sacrifices of the Chinese people. He highlighted a grand ceremony held in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, where President Xi Jinping called on the world to “remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future”. The ambassador emphasized that the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a great war fought with tenacity and valor and a crucial part of the World Anti-Fascist War. He asserted that with immense national sacrifice, China made major contributions to safeguarding human civilization and world peace.
The ambassador also reinforced China’s stance on the one-China principle, stating that Taiwan’s restoration to China was a victorious outcome of the war and a part of the post-war international order. He cited the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 as explicit confirmations of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan.
For his part, Speaker Madobe praised China’s historic role in bringing peace to its people and commended President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI). The Speaker noted that the GGI demonstrates China’s commitment to building a fair and rules-based international order aligned with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Ambassador Wang Yu also reflected on China’s remarkable evolution since its founding 76 years ago, a historic moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter of great rejuvenation for the ancient country. He stated that the Chinese people have created “the miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability”.
A key achievement highlighted was the eradication of absolute poverty. The ambassador noted that under the guidance of the “targeted poverty alleviation” concept proposed by President Xi Jinping, nearly 100 million rural people were lifted out of poverty, a miraculous achievement in global poverty reduction. He stated that this accomplishment proves that developing countries can eliminate poverty, adding, “If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too,” and expressed belief that Somalia can also achieve this.
The ambassador also cited China’s recent economic progress, with its GDP rising to 66.05 trillion yuan in the first half of the year. He pointed to innovations like China’s new-generation AI open-source model and the development of the world’s largest ultra-high voltage power grid as symbols of the nation’s modernization.
The reception also celebrated the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Somalia, with the ambassador stating that despite the geographical distance, the two nations share a profound traditional friendship.
He recalled that during last year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud elevated the relationship to a strategic partnership, charting a new course for bilateral relations. This partnership has already yielded significant outcomes in various fields, including legislative exchanges, with a large delegation of Somali federal parliamentarians visiting China.
Practical cooperation has expanded to include economy and trade, fisheries, human resources training, and humanitarian aid. The ambassador highlighted that new projects, such as the office building of the Federal Parliament of Somalia and the diaspora center of the Foreign Ministry, are nearing completion with China’s assistance. He also noted China’s increased number of scholarships for Somali students and the implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 100% of Somali goods.
Both nations continue to support each other on issues concerning core interests. Ambassador Wang Yu affirmed that while Somalia firmly adheres to the one-China principle, China, in turn, proceeds from the principle of “one Somalia,” firmly supporting Somalia’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi extended congratulations to China and expressed gratitude for its unwavering stance on protecting Somalia’s unity, solidarity, and sovereignty, with Somalia, in return, affirming its adherence to the one-China principle.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG), H.E. Raisedon Zenenga, also commended China’s support for Somalia’s progress and its promotion of multilateralism. The event concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, and capacity building.
