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China’s communist regime is a threat to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden strategic marine routes.
China’s opposition to Somaliland’s quest for statehood and its alleged support for militias against Somaliland can be understood within its broader geopolitical and economic interests. Here are the key reasons:
1. Support for Somalia’s Territorial Integrity
China is a strong advocate of the “One-China Policy,” which affirms that there is only one China and opposes any form of separatism, such as Taiwan’s push for independence. Similarly, China applies this principle globally, favouring the territorial integrity of existing states. By supporting Somalia’s claim over Somaliland, China maintains its consistent postion against Somaliland statehood movements. Recognising Somaliland’s independence would contradict most international norms that currently regard Somalia as a sovereign state, with Somaliland as part of its territory. Therefore, China tends to align with the prevailing Somalia claim that Somaliland is part of Somalia.
2. Strategic Partnerships with Somalia
China has developed a strong relationship with Somalia, involving various economic agreements and military cooperation. Somalia benefits significantly from China’s investments and diplomatic support. By opposing Somaliland’s statehood, China ensures that its relationship with Somalia remains power. The strategic location of Somalia is also vital for China’s interests in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A unified Somalia provides a more stable partner for China to strengthen its influence in the region.
3. Resource Access and Economic Interests
Somaliland is rich in untapped resources, including oil, natural gas, and minerals. China’s support for Somalia’s control over Somaliland may be part of a broader strategy to secure access to these resources through agreements with the Somali government, which claims sovereignty over the region. By aligning itself with Somalia, China positions itself to benefit from future economic opportunities, including infrastructure projects across the territory that Somalia claims, including Somaliland.
4. Maintaining Regional Stability
China appears to be backing Somalia and, reportedly, various militias opposed to Somaliland. This support may be part of a strategic approach to influence the regional balance of power in the Horn of Africa. By maintaining alliances with Somalia and undermining Somaliland’s stability or aspirations for independence, China seeks to ensure that Somaliland does not emerge as a disruptive force that could threaten its economic and geopolitical interests in the region. This manoeuvring highlights China’s broader strategy of securing its influence and safeguarding its investments in an area of growing significance on the African continent.
5. Countering Western Influence
Somaliland has attracted considerable attention and engagement from Western nations, particularly in the areas of security cooperation and the promotion of democratic governance. These Western efforts aim to stabilize the region and support the aspirations of self-governing entities like Somaliland. However, China strategically opposes Somaliland’s push for statehood as part of its broader objective to counter Western influence in the Horn of Africa. By reinforcing its partnership with Somalia, China seeks to assert its own strategic interests, which include expanding its economic foothold and enhancing its political influence in an area strategically significant to global trade routes.
China’s support for Somalia’s territorial claims can also be viewed as a deliberate move to gain increased diplomatic leverage over the Somali government. By positioning itself as a key ally to Somalia, China can negotiate more favorable terms in various agreements related to economic investment, infrastructure development, and military training. This alignment may prove advantageous for China, as it seeks to ensure that Somalia will support its initiatives and policies in influential international forums, such as the United Nations. By doing so, China aims to amplify its voice in global discussions surrounding regional stability and development.
A reliable source has indicated that China is actively arming militias that are opposed to Somaliland. This move is likely a strategic maneuver aimed at assisting a dependency relationship between Somalia and China in terms of military and strategic support. By empowering these militias with arms and resources, China could enable Somalia to project a more formidable military presence in the region without necessitating the development of its own long-term defense capabilities.
This strategy of supporting militia groups could serve multiple purposes for China. First, it allows Somalia to enhance its military strength rapidly, making it less reliant on domestic military development and more dependent on external support, particularly from China. Such dependency ensures that Somalia looks to China for essential security assistance, thereby granting China substantial power over Somalia’s defence policies and decisions.
Furthermore, this powerful idea would position China to have considerable influence over the security landscape of the Horn of Africa. With a strengthened presence in the region, China can safeguard its strategic interests and deter potential Western interventions that could threaten its objectives. By cultivating relationships with local militias and state actors, China not only enhances its geopolitical standing but also reinforces its overarching strategy of expanding influence in Africa while concurrently countering the influence of Western powers in a region of growing importance.
All In all, China’s opposition to Somaliland’s quest for statehood is intrinsically linked to its overarching strategic goals in the region. By nurturing a strong relationship with Somalia, China aims to enhance regional stability while simultaneously safeguarding its economic interests and resource access. Additionally, opposing Western influence serves to reinforce China’s role as a pivotal player in the Horn of Africa. This complex interplay of geopolitical strategies reflects China’s pragmatic approach to international relations, where aligning with Somalia effectively advances its long-term objectives and interests in this strategically important region.
The information contained in the article posted represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions commentators. the article a opininian of the author don’t necessarily reflect the Editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
ENG.ABDI ALI BARKHAD
Independent Political Analyst
Hargeisa Somaliland tra50526@gmail.com whatsapp: +252 63 4411160 22/1/2024
Abdi Ali Barkhad, a voice for Somaliland’s sovereignty, passionately defends its independence and democratic progress while critiquing external influences and advocating for internal unity and development.