UNITED NATIONS - China firmly opposes Israel's recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as a sovereign state, said a Chinese envoy on Monday.

Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state has further increased tensions in the Horn of Africa, drawing immediate and strong criticisms and condemnations from regional organizations and regional countries, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

China expresses its grave concern over this move and firmly opposes it, Sun told an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is a fundamental principle of the UN Charter and an unshakable cornerstone of international law and international relations, which all UN member states must strictly abide by, Sun said.

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"Somaliland is an integral part of Somali territory. China firmly supports Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any act to split its territory. China has always maintained that the Somaliland issue is entirely Somalia's internal affair," he said. "Countries outside the region should cease unwarranted interference. No country should aid and abet separatist forces in other countries to further their own geopolitical interests."

China urges Israel to act responsibly, strictly observe the UN Charter and international law, heed the calls of the international community, immediately rectify its erroneous act, and eliminate the negative effects of this move as soon as possible, said Sun.

China also urges the Somaliland authorities to have a correct understanding of the situation, immediately stop separatist activities and collusion with external forces, and return to the track of dialogue with the federal government of Somalia as soon as possible, he added.

As Somalia is at a critical juncture in its political and security transition, the international community should assist the country in strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities, advancing political dialogue, and promoting national unity, noted Sun.

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As a good friend of Somalia and regional countries, China will continue to firmly support Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, uphold fairness and justice, and work with the international community for peace, stability, development and prosperity in Somalia and the wider region, he said.