China’s senior diplomat arrives in Tanzania after delaying his trip to Somalia

The top diplomat of China has delayed a visit to Somalia that was anticipated to be historic, as part of a tour across Africa intended to strengthen strategic trade, according to the foreign affairs ministry of the East African nation on Friday.

Wang Yi’s intended visit would mark the first time a Chinese foreign minister has traveled there since the 1980s.

The expectation was that it would offer Mogadishu a diplomatic advantage following Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Republic of Somaliland, a northern region that declared independence in 1991.

Somalia’s relations with the U.S. have reached a low point following Washington’s announcement this week to pause further assistance benefiting the government due to a dispute regarding the demolition of a World Food Programme warehouse.

Officials from the Somali foreign affairs ministry informed Reuters that they would later provide the reason for the postponement and a future schedule for Wang’s visit.

The foreign affairs ministry of China did not provide a response to the request for comment.

Wang commenced his yearly New Year’s tour of Africa on Wednesday, emphasizing strategic trade access throughout East and Southern Africa as Beijing aims to secure vital shipping routes and resource supply lines.

According to a post on its X account, Tanzania’s foreign ministry announced that he arrived in Dar es Salaam on Friday for a two-day working visit.

The visit is intended to enhance bilateral relations and deepen economic ties between the two nations.

Wang met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration with Africa’s fastest-growing economy, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, green industry, and the digital economy.

He is anticipated to visit Lesotho during the trip, which is set to conclude on January 12.