Republican leaders of two House committees focused on U.S.-China relations have urged the State Department to issue a separate travel advisory for Somaliland. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Congressmen John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) argued that this move would recognize Somaliland’s stability and democracy, promote U.S. investment, and help counter Chinese influence in the Horn of Africa.
The lawmakers stated, “Strengthening cooperation with Somaliland is a productive step in advancing America’s security and diplomatic objectives in the region.”
Currently, the State Department issues a blanket “Do Not Travel” advisory for Somalia. Moolenaar and Smith said this policy penalizes Somaliland for instability elsewhere in Somalia. They highlighted that Somaliland has maintained stability through democratically elected governments and effective law enforcement, making it distinct from other regions.
The letter described issuing a separate advisory as “a concrete and immediately actionable step” to improve commerce, investment, and international perception while supporting a democratic partner.
Moolenaar and Smith suggested that distinguishing Somaliland could encourage American businesses to invest in its natural resources such as lithium and copper. They pointed out that the State Department already provides region-specific guidance for other African countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Cameroon.
The request comes amid concerns over China’s presence in the Horn of Africa. The lawmakers referenced Beijing’s military base in Djibouti and its involvement with Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping using Chinese technology. They wrote, “It is crucial the United States strengthen relationships with stable, democratic partners in the region to push back against malign Chinese influence.”
The letter also noted Somaliland’s partnerships with Taiwan—in areas like health care, infrastructure, and maritime security—and support for Israel through backing the Abraham Accords. The U.S. Development Finance Corporation has shown interest in collaborating with Taiwan on mineral projects in Somaliland.
“The Department should take this opportunity to demonstrate tangible support for Somaliland, whose democratic commitments and security cooperation align closely with U.S. interests,” concluded Moolenaar and Smith.
Congressman Moolenaar told Breitbart News: “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.”
Rep. 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.”
This initiative follows Senator Ted Cruz’s recent call for President Trump to recognize Somaliland as sovereign due to its governance record—a move Cruz believes would bolster U.S.-Somaliland ties amid rising Chinese activity.
Chris Smith is currently serving as representative for New Jersey’s 4th district after replacing Frank Thompson in 1981; he was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953 and resides today in Manchester Township. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree.
https://www.breitbart.com/africa/2025/09/02/exclusive-house-china-committee-chairs-urge-state-dept-to-distinguish-somaliland-strengthen-u-s-ties-and-counter-chinese-influence/
