Beijing: China firmly opposed Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland as an "independent sovereign state" and its agreement to "establish diplomatic relations" with it, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Monday.
"China firmly supports Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any moves that undermine Somali territorial integrity", said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular news briefing.
China has noticed the federal government of Somalia immediately issued a statement firmly rejecting the move, and regional organizations including the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation, he said.
He said according to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international laws, Somaliland is an integral part of the Somali territory.
Lin said the Somaliland issue is entirely an internal affair of Somalia and should be resolved by the Somali people in a manner consistent with their national conditions and constitution.
