Israel has taken the controversial decision to recognise the breakaway state of Somaliland as an independent nation, sparking condemnation from many other countries.
China is the latest to condemn the decision, with its foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian telling reporters: No country should encourage or support other countries' internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests.
China outlined its position ahead of the UN Security Council holding an emergency session to discuss Israel's decision. Israel on Friday became the first country in the world to acknowledge Somaliland as a standalone republic, more than 30 years after the region declared independence from Somalia.
Somaliland's president called the development a historic moment, but Somalia furiously rejected Israel's move as an attack on its sovereignty.
Dozens of countries and organisations, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the African Union, have also condemned Israel's surprise declaration.
Why does Somaliland want independence?
A breakaway, semi-desert territory on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland declared independence after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991. The move followed a secessionist struggle during which Siad Barre's forces pursued rebel guerrillas in the territory. Tens of thousands of people were killed and towns were flattened.
Though not internationally recognised, Somaliland has a working political system, government institutions, a police force, and its own currency. Its history as a distinct region of Somalia dates back to nineteenth century colonial rule. It was a British protectorate - known as British Somaliland - until it merged with Italian Somaliland in 1960 to form the Somali Republic.
Those in favour of Somaliland's independence argue that the region is predominantly populated by those from the Isaaq clan - an ethnic difference from the rest of Somalia.
Also, Somaliland, home to roughly six million people, enjoys relative peace and stability. Its proponents argue that it should not be shackled to Somalia, which has long been wracked by Islamist militant attacks.
However, Somalia considers Somaliland to be an integral part of its territory. The government in Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu, has repeatedly said that any recognition of Somaliland's independence would contravene Somalia's sovereignty. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also characterised Israel's declaration as an existential threat to his country's unity.
Why did Israel recognise Somaliland as an independent state?
In a phone call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was acknowledging Somaliland's right of self-determination. He also said official recognition would be a great opportunity for expanding the countries' partnership. However, analysts say there are strategic reasons for Israel's declaration.
Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis, Israeli think tank the Institute for National Security Studies commented.
In response to Israel recognising Somaliland, the Houthis warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a military target for their forces.
Offering his perspective, US-based Africa analyst Cameron Hudson noted that Israel has recognised Somaliland primarily to counter Iran's influence in the Red Sea region.
Why has Israel's move been condemned so widely?
Israel has been criticised by numerous countries including Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the African Union, Iran, Iraq and Qatar. Many of these nations have referred to Somalia's territorial integrity, warning against breaching international principles.
The African Union has expressed concerns that recognising Somaliland could incite other separatist movements, potentially leading to widespread instability in the region.
Is there any support for Israel's declaration?
Some countries allied with Somaliland have not openly supported Israel's move, remaining silent on the issue. Notably, the United Arab Emirates, which has military interests in Somaliland, has refrained from issuing a statement. Analyst Cameron Hudson expressed that the UAE is aligned with Israel's position on Somaliland.
This recent diplomatic development opens new avenues for discussions on the future of Somaliland and its quest for independence, even as it stirs ongoing debates within the international community.
