“No country should encourage or support other countries' internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a regular press conference.
He urged authorities in Somaliland to halt “separatist activities and collusion with external forces.”
The comments came days after the Israeli regime formally recognized the self-declared "Republic of Somaliland" as an independent and sovereign entity, and said it would seek immediate cooperation with the territory in agriculture, health, technology and the economy.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s federal government strongly rejected the move, calling it unlawful and reiterating that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia’s sovereign territory.
In a related development, a growing number of countries and international organizations also rejected the Israel’s decision, warning of its implications for regional and international stability.
A joint statement issued by more than 20 mostly Middle Eastern and African countries, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said the recognition carried “serious repercussions” for peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and beyond.
Separately, the statement also rejected “any potential link between such measure and any attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people out of their land.”
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during a period of conflict, but despite operating its own government and currency, it has not been recognized by any country.
The United States said it continues to recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity, including Somaliland, distancing itself from the unilateral move.
African regional bodies echoed that stance, with African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warning that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty risks peace and stability on the continent.
Similarly, the East African regional bloc IGAD said Somalia’s sovereignty is recognized under international law and that unilateral recognition runs contrary to the United Nations Charter and the bloc’s founding agreements.