When people think of Taiwan’s international relations, they often focus on its major partners like the United States or Japan, or its complex cross-strait relationship with China. But one of Taiwan’s most fascinating and heartwarming partnerships is actually with Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa. Despite being separated by thousands of kilometers, these two lands share a surprising number of similarities and have built a genuine friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
Two Nations, One Struggle for Recognition
Both Taiwan and Somaliland exist in a kind of diplomatic gray zone. Taiwan operates as a fully functional democracy with its own government, military, and economy, yet most of the world does not officially recognize it due to pressure from the People’s Republic of China. Similarly, Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained its own government and relative stability for more than three decades, but no country in the world officially recognizes it as a sovereign state.
This shared experience of being self-governing but largely unrecognized created an instant bond between them. Both understand what it means to thrive without formal acknowledgment, and both are determined to make their mark internationally through cooperation and goodwill.
Early Cooperation Before Official Ties
The relationship between Taiwan and Somaliland didn’t start overnight. In fact, cooperation between the two began as early as 2009, focusing on practical areas such as medical and health support, education, and maritime security. These early initiatives laid the groundwork for something greater – a friendship built not on political convenience but on shared goals and tangible progress.
In 2020, the two sides officially signed a Bilateral Protocol between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of the Republic of Somaliland, marking the formal establishment of representative offices in each other’s territories. While not embassies, these offices symbolize a strong and lasting relationship between two like-minded partners.
The Representative Offices: A Unique Diplomatic Setup
Unlike traditional embassies, the offices in Taipei and Hargeisa do not signify full diplomatic recognition. That’s because of the complex political realities each faces.
For Somaliland, its independence has never been recognized internationally, which means it cannot establish embassies abroad.
Recognizing Taiwan formally would also mean acknowledging the Republic of China as the sole government of all China, which in turn would force any country to cut ties, including trade, with the People’s Republic of China. To navigate this, Taiwan often uses creative diplomatic naming conventions when setting up offices abroad.
Interestingly, the Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland bears the name “Taiwan”, a rare occurrence. Most of Taiwan’s offices abroad use “Taipei” (such as the “Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office”) in countries where it does not have formal diplomatic relations, or “Republic of China” in those where it does. This unusual naming has led some observers to speculate that Taiwan deliberately chose not to formally recognize Somaliland in order to use the name “Taiwan” on the office. If the two had established official diplomatic relations, the office would have likely been called the Embassy of the Republic of China instead.
On the other hand, Somaliland maintains its Somaliland Representative Office in Taipei, which operates much like an embassy but without formal recognition. It serves as a bridge for trade, cultural exchange, education, and cooperation projects, as well as a point of contact for Somaliland nationals in Taiwan.
Strategic and Educational Cooperation
The partnership between Taiwan and Somaliland is not just symbolic, it has clear strategic and developmental benefits for both sides.
For Taiwan, Somaliland offers a strategic position in the Horn of Africa, with direct access to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal through the port of Berbera, one of East Africa’s most important harbors. A large portion of global trade passes through this maritime route, making Somaliland’s location highly valuable for Taiwan’s international logistics and supply chain security. Access to these strategic ports could strengthen Taiwan’s control over the global supply chain, especially for its semiconductor exports, which rely on stable and diversified shipping routes.
For Somaliland, Taiwan’s involvement brings much-needed expertise and support. Taiwan provides scholarships for Somaliland students to study at Taiwanese universities, offering valuable opportunities for higher education in fields like medicine, technology, and agriculture. This is particularly meaningful for Somaliland, where educational infrastructure is still limited. Additionally, Taiwan’s financial aid and development programs are helping Somaliland modernize more quickly, improving healthcare, technology, and infrastructure at an impressive pace.
Since 2020, both sides have expanded cooperation in fields like medical care, agriculture, ICT, and fisheries management. Taiwanese doctors and experts regularly visit Somaliland to train local professionals and support hospitals, while educational exchanges have created bridges between universities. Taiwan’s presence has already begun to transform Somaliland’s development landscape, while Somaliland’s friendship strengthens Taiwan’s presence in Africa.
Meanwhile, Somaliland has consistently voiced public support for Taiwan in international forums, standing by its right to self-determination and democratic governance. This mutual support demonstrates that even without formal recognition, meaningful partnerships can thrive.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
What makes this relationship so special is that it goes beyond politics. Taiwan and Somaliland share the same spirit of resilience and independence. Both have built functioning democracies in challenging environments, and both understand what it means to be excluded from the global stage yet determined to contribute positively to it.
Their story is a reminder that international cooperation doesn’t always need to follow traditional diplomatic rules. Sometimes, it’s about two places finding common ground, supporting each other’s growth, and proving that recognition isn’t the only measure of legitimacy.
As Taiwan and Somaliland continue to deepen their cooperation, their friendship serves as an inspiring example of how shared values – democracy, freedom, and perseverance – can unite even the most unlikely partners. In a world often divided by politics, this bond stands as proof that respect and mutual understanding can bridge even the widest oceans.
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