MOGADISHU— China has warned Somaliland of “serious consequences” following President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Irro, expressing support for Taiwan’s status as an independent country.

The Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu said Beijing firmly opposes Somaliland’s position, reiterating that it regards Taiwan as part of China and Somaliland as part of Somalia.

In a statement, the embassy accused Somaliland of violating the “One-China” principle and challenging China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We firmly oppose this move,” the embassy said, urging Somaliland officials to recognize Beijing’s position on the Taiwan issue. It warned that what it described as crossing the “red line” on Taiwan could result in serious consequences.

China’s ambassador to Somalia also reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, describing Somaliland as an inseparable part of Somali territory.

The ambassador said China supports the Federal Government of Somalia and opposes actions aimed at dividing the country.

The latest statements reflect Beijing’s continued opposition to Somaliland’s international efforts for recognition and its growing concern over ties between Somaliland and Taiwan.

China has consistently maintained that Taiwan is part of its territory and has opposed any form of formal recognition of Taiwanese independence.