China's foreign minister to visit Somalia as U.S. suspends aid

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Mogadishu on Friday, the highest-level Chinese visit to Somalia since the 1980s, while the United States has announced a suspension of aid amid a dispute over humanitarian supplies.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to land in Mogadishu on Friday, marking the highest-ranking Chinese visit to Somalia since the 1980s. He arrives as relations between Somalia and the United States have become strained. The U.S. has announced a suspension of all aid to Somalia, saying a U.S.-funded warehouse was destroyed and food supplies were seized; Somalia has denied those allegations and said the supplies remain with the United Nations. The visit comes after Israel recognised Somaliland, a move that drew criticism from Beijing and regional bodies. What is known: - Wang Yi is due to arrive in Mogadishu on Friday and is the senior-most Chinese official to visit Somalia in decades. - China has stated its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity and opposed outside interference over Somaliland. - The U.S. has announced a suspension of aid to Somalia and publicly accused the Somali government of destroying a U.S.-funded warehouse and seizing 76 tonnes of food; Somali officials have denied the claim. - Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland has prompted diplomatic reactions from multiple governments and organizations. Summary: China’s planned visit signals Beijing’s diplomatic engagement with Somalia at a moment of heightened international attention. Wang Yi’s arrival on Friday is the next scheduled step, and broader outcomes, including changes in international recognition or aid policies, are undetermined at this time.