China

China rejects North Western State of Somalia recognition, backs Somalia’s territorial integrity after Israel move MOGADISHU — Monday, December 29, 2025: China said it opposes any attempt to divide Somalia and warned against outside support for separatism, days after Israel became the first country to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. Beijing “firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a regular…

China launches live-fire drills around Taiwan after U.S. arms sale, warns against “external” interference China has begun live-fire military exercises around Taiwan, hours after announcing “major” joint drills in surrounding waters and airspace, as Beijing steps up pressure on the self-governed island and warns foreign backers to stay out. The People’s Liberation Army said it is deploying destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers and unmanned aerial vehicles for exercises that include live-fire training on maritime targets to…

Sunday December 21, 2025 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia and China on Tuesday marked the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a ceremony in Mogadishu, pledging to elevate cooperation and pursue shared interests across infrastructure, public services and state-building as both countries reaffirmed long-standing political support. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre called the milestone “a testament to enduring friendship” rooted in mutual respect and sovereignty. “We gathered to celebrate a truly historic milestone,…

Analysis: China’s fishing push in Somalia risks fueling a marine and security crisis MOGADISHU — Accusations that Chinese distant-water fleets are mounting widespread illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing off Somalia’s coast have collided with Beijing’s expanding commercial and strategic footprint in the Horn of Africa, sharpening tensions over resources, sovereignty and security. The collision of fisheries depletion and geopolitical maneuvering is testing a fragile maritime governance system along one of the world’s…

Turkey starts building Somalia spaceport, a strategic equatorial launch site drawing global scrutiny Turkey has begun constructing a satellite and rocket launch site on Somalia’s Indian Ocean coast, a bold step that Ankara says will accelerate its space ambitions and that outside observers say is already drawing intense attention from rival powers. The spaceport — publicly backed by Baykar chairman Selçuk Bayraktar — is being developed under Turkish state authority on a roughly 30-by-30-kilometer coastal tract. Turkish…

Mogadishu (AX) — China has donated $1 million to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) to bolster drought relief as seasonal rains falter and food insecurity deepens across the country, Somali and Chinese officials said Monday. Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu formally handed over the contribution during a high-level meeting hosted by SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moalim Abdulle in Mogadishu. Wang said the aid reflects Beijing’s commitment to stand by Somalia “during these difficult times,” citing the “principle…

BEIJING — President Emmanuel Macron told President Xi Jinping on Tuesday that France and China must overcome their "differences" as he pressed Beijing on both Ukraine and trade during a three-day state visit to China. "Sometimes there are differences, but it is our responsibility to overcome them for the greater good," Macron said at the start of talks in the Great Hall of the People, as he sought to put the Macron China visit on a cooperative footing. Xi echoed the sentiment, calling for "more stable" ties and saying…

Nigeria's Internal Challenges: A Call for Non-Interference from China The Chinese government has reiterated its stance that Nigeria must be allowed to navigate its own internal issues without external intervention. In a recent statement, the Chinese foreign ministry emphasized its role as a strategic partner, asserting opposition to any foreign nation that leverages religion or human rights as pretexts for sanctions or military threats against the West African nation. This declaration follows remarks by U.S. President…

Trump’s Hint at Recognizing North Western State of Somalia Could Reshape U.S. Policy in Africa Mogadishu (AX) — In what could be a significant shift in American foreign policy in the Horn of Africa, U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that his administration might consider recognizing North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. This potential move, hinted at during an Oval Office event on August 8, could have far-reaching implications for U.S. engagement in the region, possibly challenging the stakes of…

Authorities in China have reported a devastating incident in Zhuhai, where a tragic collision resulted in the loss of 35 lives and left 43 individuals injured. This harrowing event took place yesterday evening when a vehicle barreled into pedestrians in the southern city. Initial reports only indicated injuries, and the swift removal of videos documenting the incident from social media left many details under wraps. However, police later clarified, labeling the episode a "serious and vicious attack" that transpired at the…