Chairman John Moolenaar of the House Select Committee on China and Co-Chairman Chris Smith of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In their letter, they urge the State Department to distinguish Somaliland from Somalia in its travel advisory report.
The lawmakers argue that this distinction would help the United States counter the Chinese Communist Party's influence in the Horn of Africa and promote greater international recognition of Taiwan.
"Strengthening cooperation with Somaliland is a productive step in advancing America's security and diplomatic objectives in the Horn of Africa," said Chairman Moolenaar. "From combatting piracy to hosting a Taiwanese Representative Office in its capital, Somaliland has shown its commitment to the United States as both a friend and security partner. Establishing a more official U.S. presence in Somaliland would give the United States an important foothold to monitor and counter Beijing's ever-growing presence in the region that ultimately undermines the safety of Americans at home."
Co-Chair Smith added, "The Trump Administration and Secretary Rubio have already made significant strides in strengthening the U.S.-Somaliland relationship – the United States can continue to nurture this partnership with a separate and more accurate travel advisory, which accords with the stable situation on the ground."
The full text of their letter is available online, along with further coverage by Breitbart.
For questions, contact Jack Clem at jack.clem@mail.house.gov.
