China’s Special Representative on African Affairs, Ambassador Xue Bing, is currently on an official visit to Somalia, where he met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Jama. This visit underscores the long-standing and growing cooperation between Somalia and China, reflecting their joint efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional peace and development.
During our exclusive interview, Ambassador Xue Bing discussed the outcomes of his meetings with Somali leadership and China’s strategic vision for enhancing cooperation with Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa region.
Strengthening Sino-Somali Strategic Partnership
Ambassador Xue Bing emphasized that the relationship between China and Somalia has reached an unprecedented level in history. Both countries share a historical responsibility to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and firmly oppose any attempts to undermine these principles.
“China firmly supports the ‘One Somalia’ policy of the Federal Government of Somalia, just as China adheres to the ‘One China’ principle,” Xue Bing stated. He stressed that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter for China and a core national interest, warning that Beijing will never tolerate any attempts to challenge its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Addressing the recent visit of Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister to Somaliland, Xue Bing expressed strong opposition, stating that both China and the Federal Government of Somalia firmly reject such actions. He called on the authorities in Taiwan and Somaliland to fully understand and respect the “One China” principle, urging Somaliland to follow the lead of the Federal Government in this regard.
Regional Peace and Development Initiatives
Turning to regional affairs, Xue Bing highlighted China’s commitment to promoting peace, development, and good governance in the Horn of Africa. He commended Somalia’s support for China’s position on issues related to human rights and the Xinjiang region within the United Nations framework.
The ambassador also discussed China’s vision for peace and development in the region, which focuses on three pillars: peace, development, and good governance. China actively supports the convening of peace conferences where countries in the region can resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation, avoiding external interference.
“This year, in July, the second Peace Conference was held in Beijing, where Horn of Africa countries discussed existing conflicts and explored solutions,” Xue Bing stated. He revealed that preparations are underway for a potential third Peace Conference to be hosted by one of the countries in the region next year, with Somalia as a potential host.
Future Cooperation and Development Projects
Regarding future cooperation between China and Somalia, Xue Bing emphasized the need to implement the outcomes of the recent FOCAC Summit in Beijing, where President Xi Jinping announced six initiatives and seven cooperation programs aimed at promoting industrialization and small-scale projects that directly benefit local communities in Somalia.
“The Chinese Embassy in Somalia will work closely with the Somali government to realize these initiatives and programs,” Xue Bing affirmed. He encouraged Chinese companies to invest in Somalia and participate in infrastructure development, while prioritizing small-scale projects that can rapidly benefit local communities.
As China’s Special Representative on African Affairs concluded his visit, he expressed optimism about the future of Sino-Somali relations and China’s continued support for Somalia’s national development and prosperity.
