Taiwan has welcomed Israel’s decision to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation, standing apart from the wave of international criticism that followed the announcement.
Israel Makes Historic Recognition#
On December 27, 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would become the first country in the world to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has functioned as a de facto sovereign state for over three decades but had never received formal recognition from any nation.
The breakaway region enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and maintains its own currency, passports, and military. Despite its stability compared to Somalia, it has remained diplomatically isolated since its unilateral declaration of independence.
Taiwan’s Supportive Response#
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan explicitly welcomed Israel’s decision. The ministry stated that Taiwan, Israel, and Somaliland are all “like-minded democratic partners sharing the values of democracy, freedom, and rule of law.”
Taiwan’s response is particularly significant given the parallel situations these three entities face. All three operate as functioning democracies while facing territorial disputes and limited international recognition. Taiwan itself is claimed by China, which rejects its independence, similar to how Somalia continues to claim Somaliland as part of its territory.
Growing Taiwan-Israel-Somaliland Cooperation#
Taiwan’s ties with Somaliland have been developing for several years. In August 2020, Taipei opened a representative office in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, and Somaliland reciprocated by opening a similar office in Taipei the following month.
The three-way relationship has deepened across multiple sectors. According to Taiwan’s foreign ministry, cooperation has expanded to include medicine, education, agriculture, information technology, security, and energy mineral development. Most recently, Taiwan and Somaliland signed an agreement in July 2025 to enhance coast guard cooperation, jointly safeguarding navigation safety in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Israel-Taiwan Relations Warming#
The development comes amid broader warming of Israel-Taiwan relations. While the two maintain largely informal ties due to Israel’s diplomatic relationship with China, recent months have seen increased contact.
Earlier in December, Reuters reported that Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu made a secret visit to Israel, reportedly to explore defense cooperation opportunities. Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung confirmed in November that “in terms of technology and defense there is mutual learning and some interactions” between the two countries.
Israel, which has faced increasing diplomatic isolation during its ongoing conflict in Gaza, appears to be diversifying its international relationships, with Taiwan representing a natural partner given shared democratic values and technological strengths.
International Criticism#
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland drew sharp criticism from multiple quarters. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called the decision “tantamount to a blunt aggression against the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the unity of the people of the Somali Republic.”
Egypt, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation all condemned the move. The European Union called for Somalia’s territorial integrity to be upheld, and the United States stated it continues to recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity “which includes the territory of Somaliland.”
The UN Security Council was set to hold an emergency meeting on the matter, acceding to a demand by Somalia.
Three Democracies, Shared Challenges#
Taiwan’s enthusiastic response to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland highlights a growing alignment among nations that face similar geopolitical challenges. All three maintain functioning democratic institutions while navigating complex international situations regarding their sovereignty and recognition.
For Taiwan, supporting Somaliland’s recognition aligns with its broader strategy of building relationships with like-minded partners who understand the challenges of operating outside traditional diplomatic frameworks. For Israel, the move demonstrates a willingness to pursue independent foreign policy decisions despite international pressure.
The trilateral cooperation between these three democracies may serve as a model for other nations facing similar circumstances in the international arena.
Sources: The Times of Israel, Focus Taiwan
