Amidst the changing diplomatic balance in East Africa, the African Union (AU) took advantage of the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to reiterate its unwavering support for the "one China" policy.

This statement comes amid growing friction between pro-Beijing blocs and Western influences.

Somaliland at the heart of the discord

The trigger for this diplomatic reprimand was Israel's decision, at the end of December 2025, to officially recognize Somaliland . This self-proclaimed republic, separated from Somalia since 1991, had until then obtained no international recognition.

This partnership is strategic:

1. Somaliland recognizes Taiwan , a position that directly challenges Chinese interests.
2. The AU and China strongly condemn this initiative, fearing a precedent that would undermine the territorial integrity of African states.

A continent largely aligned with Beijing

The AU statement is unequivocal: "Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory." This position reflects a significant trend across the continent. Since the 2000s, almost all African countries (Burkina Faso, Senegal, Chad, etc.) have severed ties with Taipei and turned toward Beijing. Today, only Eswatini maintains official relations with Taiwan in Africa.

A Chinese tour under the banner of sovereignty

Wang Yi's visit is part of a strategy to consolidate alliances against the West:

1. Somalia: The minister's next step is for the country to seek China's support to counter rumors of imminent US recognition of Somaliland.
2. Tanzania and Lesotho: These two nations, at odds with the West (US customs sanctions for Lesotho, criticism of human rights for Tanzania), represent key partners for Beijing.
3. Venezuela: Notably, the AU and China used this meeting to express their shared concern about the situation in Venezuela, elevating respect for national sovereignty to a bulwark against external interference.