NAIROBI, Kenya (Kaab TV) — China has stepped up its aggressive diplomatic and security initiatives in Somalia, in what appears to be a response to a recent maritime cooperation agreement between Somaliland and Taiwan.
Last week, the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu held talks with members of the Somali Police Force’s Coast Guard unit.
According to a statement posted on the embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation on coastal protection and reaffirming mutual respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Somalia and China.
“The Chinese Embassy in Somalia (@ChineseSomalia) held a meeting with the Somali Police Force’s Coast Guard (@SoPoliceForce), where they discussed enhancing cooperation on coastal security,” the statement read.
“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
While the embassy did not disclose the full scope of the discussions, sources told Kaab TV that the Chinese side encouraged Somali security forces to recruit personnel from northern Somalia (Somaliland) and deploy them, with arms and training, along the coastal areas of Somaliland.
The move comes in the wake of an agreement signed between Somaliland and Taiwan, covering maritime security and the development of fisheries.
China has condemned the deal, describing it as “a violation of its sovereignty” and territorial claims over Taiwan.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally, maintains a growing relationship with Taiwan.
Taiwan, in turn, has opened a representative office in Hargeisa and provided aid, including infrastructure projects and health facilities.
Both Somaliland and Taiwan defended their agreement, with Somaliland insisting it acts as an independent authority capable of entering into bilateral arrangements.
Taiwan also reiterated its rejection of China’s claims over the island.
China’s Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, has intensified engagements with Somali government officials and security leaders in Mogadishu.
Notably, China has not been involved in international efforts to combat terrorism in Somalia, such as those led by African Union mission and other partners.
Meanwhile, China has also expanded what seems to be soft-power engagements through its interlocutors within the Somalia government.
Cultivation of trusted agents
Somalia’s Ambassador to China, Hodan Osman, welcomed a delegation of Somali senators and senior government officials to Beijing on Wednesday.
The delegation was reported in the country as part of an experience-sharing program aimed at enhancing cooperation in key sectors.
“This visit is part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Somalia and China across important sectors,” Ambassador Osman said in a post on social media.
The delegation includes members of Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament.
For years, Hodan Osman has been viewed by Somali officials as a close confidante of the Chinese government—fluent in Mandarin and a former translator at the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu.
Her ties to power extend beyond her diplomatic background: she is married to a former Somali minister from the Sanaag region of Somaliland, a relationship that potentially affords her access to high-level intelligence, including details of Somalia’s security cooperation with Western nations—insights that could prove highly valuable to Beijing’s strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.
Domestically, the Chinese Embassy has also been active in the SSC-Khaatumo regions, an area that has broken away from Somaliland’s authority. In recent weeks, the embassy provided food aid and essential supplies to the town of Las Anod, the SSC-Khaatumo administrative center.
Observers warn that China’s increasing involvement—particularly in regions like Somaliland that have long enjoyed relative stability—could heighten political tensions and destabilize the area.