MOGADISHU – The Minister of Defence for the Federal Government of Somalia, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, engaged in discussions with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Somalia, Wang Yu, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in defence, military training, and support for Somalia’s national security institutions.
The dialogue centered on reinforcing bilateral relations between the two nations, with both parties emphasizing the significance of nurturing and developing their enduring friendship and partnership. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the talks explored ways to bolster the capacity and professionalism of the Somali National Armed Forces.
China’s Growing Military Support for Somalia
The meeting follows a landmark engagement in September 2025, when Fiqi held talks with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Xiangshan International Defense Forum in Beijing, marking the first ministerial-level defence engagement between the two nations in nearly 40 years. Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening security cooperation and reaffirmed their shared interest in advancing stability in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
China has awarded military scholarships to 31 officers from the Somali National Armed Forces, covering advanced training programs in Chinese military academies focusing on leadership, strategy, engineering, and specialized technical skills. The initiative is part of China’s broader commitment to supporting Somalia’s security sector reform and capacity-building efforts amid ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
The Federal Government of Somalia honored 31 officers who successfully completed advanced military training programs in China, with State Minister for Defence Omar Sheikh Ali and Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu attending the awarding ceremony in Mogadishu. The training was described as “a cornerstone in building a professional, disciplined, and self-reliant Somali military.”
China Pledges Increased Security Support
China has pledged to expand military support to Somalia in its fight against al-Shabaab militants, promising equipment, training, and closer security cooperation with Mogadishu. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment during a high-level meeting, emphasizing that China would take “every necessary measure” to ensure the protection of its citizens and the security of its growing economic interests in the country.
The Defence Minister conveyed his gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its ongoing support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Ambassador Wang Yu, in turn, acknowledged Somalia’s accomplishments in counter-terrorism efforts and lauded the Somali Government’s initiatives to foster peace, stability, and security in the region.
Strategic Alignment on Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
Somalia and China have reopened a new chapter in their bilateral relations, reviving ties that had been largely dormant since the 1980s when China supported Somalia with infrastructure development and military training. Analysts see the renewed engagement as part of China’s broader push to deepen its strategic footprint in Africa, while offering Somalia additional diplomatic leverage.
China and Somalia frequently affirm their support for “One Somalia” and “One China” respectively. A joint press statement from the foreign ministers in January 2026 reaffirmed that China firmly supports Somalia’s territorial integrity, stressing that Somaliland is an inalienable part of Somalia, while Somalia reaffirms its steadfast support for the one-China principle.
Way Forward for Somalia-China Defence Cooperation
The meeting between Minister Fiqi and Ambassador Wang Yu represents a continued commitment to deepening defence and security ties between Somalia and China. As Somalia prepares to take full security responsibility from international forces, China’s role as a security partner is expected to expand beyond training to include equipment support, counterterrorism cooperation, and maritime security.
Officials from both countries have hinted at follow-up visits to cement agreements in the coming months, with cooperation expected to extend beyond security to economic development and infrastructure.
