Beijing (Reuters) China opposes any ‍attempt to split territories in Somalia, ‍the foreign ministry said on Monday, affirming Chinese support for the sovereignty, unity ⁠and territorial integrity of the East African country.

“No country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish ‍interests,” ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters ‍at a ‍regular press conference, ⁠urging ‌authorities in Somaliland ⁠to ‍stop “separatist activities and collusion with external forces”.

Israel ⁠became the first country on Friday ‌to formally recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, ‍seeking immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy.

Source: Reuters