Thousands of kilometres apart, two unrecognised nations are undergoing a similar struggle in a fight for diplomatic recognition and sovereignty.
Taiwan, an island in the South China Sea, has been a self-governing territory since 1949.
However, Taiwan faces isolation from the international community due to diplomatic pressure from Beijing.
Somaliland, a state in the Horn of Africa, has been a beacon of stability and democratic governance in the region, yet it is still denied recognition by Somalia and the international community.
China and Somalia continue to claim Taiwan and Somaliland as part of their respective territories- despite their long history of autonomy. Neither are recognised by the United Nations.
Taiwan and Somaliland’s legal status continues to strain diplomatic relations. Despite challenges to their autonomy, both have built stable and resilient economies, Taiwan through its high tech economy particularly semiconductors, and Somaliland through its key position in maritime trade.
Taiwan and Somaliland’s Political Survival Guide
At the end of the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan while the Chinese Communist Party took over the mainland.
The Republic of China continued to function as a separate government in Taiwan, with its own political and economic systems. Over time, Taiwan built a strong democratic system and a cultural and political identity separate to that of mainland China.
Despite the island’s self-governing status, the CCP continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory due to its “One China” policy. Despite hurdles, Taiwan made itself critical to the global economy- particularly with its semiconductor industry, which is essential to everything from consumer electronics to artificial intelligence.
Somaliland was a British protectorate until 1960, when it briefly gained independence, before ‘merging’ with Italian Somaliland. Over time, Somalilanders became discontent with their political and economic marginalisation under the Somali government in Mogadishu.
After the collapse of the regime of Somali dictator Siad Barre in 1991, Somaliland redeclared independence. Somalia fell into civil war and instability, while Somaliland maintained peace and elected their first democratic government.
Despite its lack of formal recognition, Somaliland has remained stable and maintains relations with countries like the UK, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Taiwan. Somalia maintains that Somaliland continues to form part of its territory, despite its de facto independence.
Somaliland plays a crucial role in global trade due to its location on the Bab el Mandeb Strait which is a gateway between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
An estimated 10 percent of all global trade passes through its waters.
Both Somaliland and Taiwan have remained self-governing entities despite legal hurdles due to lack of recognition and pressure from their larger, more powerful enemies. Both face evolving security challenges and struggles from being politically isolated.
The nations have managed to create stability and remain leading regional democracies in spite of threats from their larger, more autocratic neighbours.
Countermeasures and Counterclaims: China’s New Hobby in the Horn of Africa
Recent events have reignited tensions yet again, as the Trump Administration ponders the partial recognition of Somaliland in exchange for a military base.
In response to potential U.S. recognition of Somaliland, China, an ally of Somalia has attempted to pressure the unrecognised state over its foreign relations.
Chinese ambassador to Somalia Wang Yi announced that Beijing has taken unnamed “countermeasures” against Somaliland.
China’s claims sparked indignation on the part of Somalilanders and Taiwanese- with the Taiwan Representative Office releasing a strongly-worded statement reaffirming their support for Somaliland as well as Taiwan’s independence from China.
Taiwan and Somaliland have maintained official relations since 2020. Partnerships like that of Somaliland and Taiwan challenge Beijing’s diplomatic pressure and also show that the two nations refuse to be forced into isolation.
Global Trade at Stake: When Political Isolation Meets Strategic Choke Points
Western powers have vested interests in both the stability of Taiwan and Somaliland as both are key to global trade.
China and Somalia, diplomatic partners, also have their interests as China attempts to spread its influence in the Horn of Africa through its Belt and Road initiative.
A key part of China’s BRI is the aptly dubbed “Maritime Silk Road”- through which the country attempts to expand its influence in global trade. China seeks to control key trade “choke points”- such as the Bab el Mandeb Strait.
Taiwan and Somaliland have acknowledged their similar predicaments- especially as Somalia and China are strategic allies and Somalia supports the one China policy. These positions have only intensified as China continues backing Somalia amid a U.S. led push for Somaliland’s recognition.
China has also expressed growing hostility towards Taiwan as demonstrated by its military drills this week in Taiwanese waters.
If conflict escalates in both territories, the impacts may be felt globally.
Taiwan’s role as a semiconductor hub and Somaliland’s location near the Bab el Mandeb strait- a region key to global trade- mean that a shift from a “cold” conflict to a “hot” one could cause not just regional turmoil but widespread global disruptions.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place? Future for Taiwan and Somaliland
Taiwan and Somaliland exist in a diplomatic grey zone: democratic, fully functioning states that remain unrecognised by the international community due to pressure from their larger, more influential neighbours, with the real fear of any backlash to official recognition.
“Unrecognised” nations like Taiwan and Somaliland will continue to face challenges in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
While formal recognition may be on the horizon, their futures depend on full leverage of their strategic partnerships.
Keep up with Daily Euro Times for more updates!
Read also:
Why is Somaliland Strategically Important to the United States?
Triangular Diplomacy: Djibouti, the Houthis, and Somalia
A New Partner: Al-Shabaab and the Houthis
