The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming its support for the One China Policy. This follows China expressing support for Somalia after Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland to lease 20 kilometers of coastline in exchange for diplomatic recognition. Ethiopia reportedly wants to build a naval base and commercial port there. Somalia views Somaliland as a breakaway province and demands that Ethiopia cancel the agreement. China on Thursday called for respect for Somalia’s “territorial integrity.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted on X that “Somaliland is part of Somalia.”

Source: Ethiopian News January 16, 2024 14:09 UTC