President, 

I thank you for convening this meeting. China fully supports the request by Somalia, Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Guyana for an emergency Council meeting. I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his briefing. 

On December 26, Israel announced its formal recognition of Somaliland as a so-called “independent sovereign state”, and established full diplomatic relations with it. This has further increased the tensions in the Horn of Africa, drawing immediate and strong criticism and condemnations from regional organizations, including the AU, the Arab League, the GCC, the OIC, and IGAD, as well as many regional countries. China also expresses grave concerns over this move, and firmly opposes it.

Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of the UN Charter and an unshakable cornerstone of international law and international relations, which all UN member states must strictly observe. Somaliland is an integral part of Somali territory. China firmly supports Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and opposes any act to split its territory. China has always maintained that the Somaliland issue is entirely Somalia's internal affairs. It should be resolved by the Somali people in a way consistent with the national conditions and the Constitution. Countries outside the region should cease unwarranted interference. No country should aid and abet separatist forces in other countries to further their own geopolitical interests. We urge the relevant country to act responsibly, strictly observe the UN Charter and international law, heed the call of the international community, immediately rectify its erroneous act, and eliminate the negative effects as soon as possible. We urge the Somaliland authorities to grasp the situation, immediately, stop separatist activities and collusion with external forces, and return to the track of dialogue with the federal government of Somalia as soon as possible to avoid further threatening regional peace and stability and opening the door to more tensions and conflicts. 

President, 

Somalia is at a critical juncture in its political and security transition. The international community should assist the country in strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities, advancing political dialogue, and promoting national unity. As a good friend of Somalia and regional countries, China will continue to firmly support Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, uphold fairness and justice, and together with international community, work harder for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in Somalia and the wider region. 

Thank you, President.