European Think Tank Highlights China’s Concerns Over Israeli Moves in Taiwan and Somaliland
A European think tank has reported that Israel’s activities in the autonomous regions of Taiwan and Somaliland have seriously alarmed Beijing, conflicting with China’s broader interests. According to the report, China regards these actions as a direct threat to the fundamental principles of its foreign policy.
The European website “Modern Diplomacy” wrote that on Monday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly opposed Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland as an independent country. Beijing believes such a move carries significant political and security consequences for the Horn of Africa region.
The report continued that Chinese intelligence and military agencies are aware of the sensitivity of this action, as it could undermine the “Belt and Road Initiative,” which is designed to revive the historic Silk Road route. This initiative is one of China’s key projects to expand its economic and transit influence across Asia and Africa.
Modern Diplomacy added that China views the alignment between Somaliland separatists and Taiwanese separatist movements as a direct threat to the “One China” principle, and this is why it has opposed Israel’s moves.
According to the report, Beijing is establishing satellite stations in Somalia to strengthen its intelligence capabilities and monitor military and diplomatic activities of rival powers, especially Israel, the United States, and their allies in the region.
The analytical media outlet also cited Israel’s cooperation with Taiwanese separatists on missile defense systems as another concern for China. The report states that China is seeking to expand its strategic presence in the Horn of Africa, and Chinese think tanks have developed long-term plans to compete with regional rivals in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
In conclusion, Modern Diplomacy emphasized that developing relations with the central government of Somalia is part of China’s strategy to contain provocative actions and maintain the balance of power in the Horn of Africa.
