China has dispatched humanitarian aid to SSC-Khatumo, a faction opposing Somaliland’s quest for international recognition. This move aligns with growing speculation about China’s strategic support for anti-Somaliland entities, reflecting its broader geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa. SSC-Khatumo, which has historically resisted Somaliland’s self-declared independence, seeks greater political autonomy within Somalia, positioning itself as a significant player in the region’s evolving power dynamics.

China’s actions appear to be part of a broader effort to assert its influence and counterbalance the growing presence of the United States in the Red Sea region. As discussions intensify about the potential for U.S. recognition of Somaliland, especially under the upcoming Trump administration, China’s support for factions opposing Somaliland signals its desire to maintain strategic leverage in the face of shifting regional alignments. This support also reflects China’s long-term objectives in securing its position in the Horn region, which is vital for access to critical maritime trade routes, natural resources, and expanding its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This development underscores the complex intersection of local governance issues and global geopolitical competition. As powers like the U.S., China, Russia, Gulf nations and other emerging powers vie for influence in the Horn of Africa, the internal struggles over Somaliland’s political status are becoming increasingly intertwined with broader international rivalries, complicating prospects for peace, stability, and sovereignty in the region.