Mogadishu, SONNA – The Chinese embassy in Mogadishu hosted a roundtable on safeguarding the ‘One China’ principle, where key Somali and Chinese officials reaffirmed their commitment to the mutual principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The event, which took place on Wednesday, was distinguished by the attendance of MP Jama Mohamed Askar, Chairperson of Somalia’s parliamentary committee on Somalia-China friendship, the Chinese embassy’s Chargé d’affaires, and other prominent federal MPs and senior government officials.
Solidarity with One China
MP Jama Mohamed Askar underscored Somalia’s unwavering support for the ‘One China’ policy, recalling the pivotal moment in 1971 when Somalia backed the People’s Republic of China’s return to the United Nations. This historical stance was highlighted as a testament to the enduring friendship and diplomatic support between the two nations.
A United Front
Ambassador Chen Wendi expressed his deep appreciation for the Somali government’s stance on ‘One China.’ He reaffirmed China’s recognition of Somaliland as part of Somalia, endorsing Somalia’s unity. Wendi affirmed China’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, standing against separatist movements.
He stated, ‘Somalia was one of the 17 UN members to request the question of the “Restoration of the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations” be placed on the provisional agenda of the twenty-sixth session of the UNGA. This step paved the way for the final adoption of Resolution 2758. Somalia is a founder of the Resolution and has the exceptional qualification of speaking in defense of the resolution.’
He added, ‘Somalia can play a significant role in supporting China’s cause of sovereignty and national unity.’
Wendi concluded, ‘The One China Principle is a well-established consensus of the international community. It concerns the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific and the world, international justice and order, and the international cause of anti-separatism.’
Common Challenges and Shared Principles
Addressing the challenges posed by secessionism, MP Mohamed Osman Omar (Nastaro) emphasized the broader implications of such movements on regional and global stability. “Opposing secessionism is an extension of these principles,” he stated, pointing out the potential for prolonged conflicts, economic disruptions, and humanitarian crises. By standing together against secessionism, Somalia and China are championing peace and stability, not just within their own borders but across the international community as well.
The roundtable served as a reaffirmation of the strong bilateral ties between Somalia and China, with both nations expressing a firm stance against secessionism and a commitment to uphold each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
