By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Taiwan has expressed its support for Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, citing shared democratic values and anticipating enhanced trilateral cooperation. Taiwan’s stance reflects its strengthening relationship with Somaliland, marked by the establishment of reciprocal representative offices in 2020 and collaborations in various sectors, including security. This recognition by Israel, which has faced opposition from countries like Egypt and Turkey, contrasts with the positions of the United States and the European Union, who continue to support Somalia’s territorial integrity.
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Taiwan welcomes Israel’s decision to formally recognize Somaliland, and it’s easy to see why. This move is significant on several levels, and it opens up a fascinating look into the complexities of international relations and the strategic considerations that drive them.
For starters, we need to understand that the Republic of China (ROC), commonly known as Taiwan, has a somewhat unique position. While it operates as an independent entity with its own government, currency, and military, its official status is not universally recognized. Only a handful of countries officially recognize Taiwan. That’s why any recognition, even informal, is welcomed. And Taiwan does indeed have friendly relations with Somaliland and welcomes the recognition.
Given this context, Israel’s decision to formally recognize Somaliland is noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, Israel’s recognition helps Somaliland, which has been seeking international recognition for decades. The move is a significant step for Somaliland, giving it the potential to be a fully fledged independent country. The recognition also signals a shift in the region’s dynamics, potentially impacting relations between Israel, Somaliland, Somalia, and other regional players.
Strategically, this move makes a lot of sense for Israel. Somaliland sits in a very strategic location in the Horn of Africa, across the water from Yemen, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane. A stable, friendly ally in this region can be invaluable for monitoring and countering threats, specifically the Houthis. By establishing full diplomatic ties with Somaliland, Israel hopes to project power and maintain regional stability.
The move also reveals a certain level of realpolitik at play. Nations often hesitate to recognize splinter states to avoid setting precedents for secessionist movements elsewhere. However, Somaliland’s functioning governmental body and clearly defined territorial boundaries make its case for recognition more compelling than that of some other entities.
Furthermore, this decision potentially disrupts some long-held norms in international relations. Israel is the only UN member state to recognize Somaliland. Additionally, countries that support Palestinian statehood now have to grapple with the implications of the same logic applied to Somaliland. Recognizing Somaliland challenges certain perspectives and adds another layer of complexity to the existing situation.
This has also caused a bit of hypocrisy. Many countries condemn the recognition of the state of Somaliland because it violates Somalia’s sovereignty, despite praising the recognition of Palestine. The move might weaken the arguments for Palestinian statehood within territory Israel considers sovereign.
On a deeper level, Israel’s focus on alliances in Africa and its willingness to engage with breakaway states like Somaliland demonstrate a strategic playbook rooted in geopolitical realities. It’s about securing allies, projecting power, and promoting stability in a complex and volatile region.
Finally, the reaction from various political players is interesting. While KMT, and DPP, have different perspectives on issues of recognition, they are both very appreciative of the situation. It’s important to note the DPP’s unique relationship to China. They haven’t officially changed anything, but are more likely to. The ROC certainly recognizes itself as a sovereign country, and Taiwan is the common name of the ROC.
All in all, Taiwan welcomes Israel’s decision, viewing it as a positive step for Somaliland and a strategic move that reflects the ever-changing landscape of international politics. It’s a reminder that relationships between nations are often complex, driven by a combination of shared interests, strategic calculations, and a desire to navigate a world that is constantly in flux.