标签： Asia

In a significant diplomatic development, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar embarked on an official visit to Somaliland on Tuesday, marking the first high-level engagement since Israel’s formal recognition of the breakaway Somali region’s sovereignty in December. Saar was photographed in meetings with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, with plans for a joint press conference at the presidential palace in Hargeisa later in the day.

According to diplomatic sources speaking to i24 News, the visit aims to advance substantive political and strategic cooperation between Israel and Somaliland. While Israel’s foreign ministry has yet to officially comment on the trip, the engagement represents a concrete step following the December 26 recognition that made Israel the first country to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty.

The recognition sparked immediate protests in Somaliland, with demonstrations in Boroma featuring Palestinian flags and pro-Palestine chants. Prior to the official recognition, reports had circulated about Somaliland potentially hosting an Israeli military base in exchange for diplomatic recognition and investments.

The geopolitical implications extend beyond bilateral relations. Analysis from the Atlantic Council had previously argued for Israel-Somaliland recognition, citing strategic opportunities for both Israel and the United States in addressing security concerns in shipping corridors where approximately one-third of global commerce passes. The region faces threats from piracy, weapon smuggling, and terrorist groups including al-Shabab and the Houthis.

Regional dynamics continue to evolve, with social media accounts linked to the United Arab Emirates suggesting Abu Dhabi—along with India, Ethiopia, and Kenya—might follow Israel’s lead in recognizing Somaliland. However, an Indian government adviser subsequently denied such plans.

The strategic port of Berbera has emerged as a focal point in regional security architecture. Following a 2017 agreement allowing the UAE to establish a military base there, recent satellite imagery reveals advanced infrastructure development including a modern military port and deep-water docking capabilities. These facilities form part of a network of UAE bases encircling the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, established with support from Israel and the US.

In a notable policy shift, Somaliland’s president announced in July his administration’s willingness to host a US military base at Berbera while offering access to valuable mineral resources including lithium, representing a strategic gambit to secure broader international recognition.

In a significant escalation of trade diplomacy, Chinese authorities are contemplating stricter export permit evaluations for specific rare earth materials destined for Japan. This strategic consideration comes as a direct response to what Beijing characterizes as “erroneous remarks” concerning Taiwan made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which Chinese officials assert have severely damaged bilateral relations.

The Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with the General Administration of Customs, had previously established export control mechanisms for seven categories of medium and heavy rare earth elements last April. These regulated materials include samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium—all critical components in advanced technological applications.

At a December press briefing, Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong articulated China’s position, emphasizing that Japan bears “unshirkable responsibility” for undermining the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. He further stated that China has repeatedly urged Japanese officials to rectify their statements and demonstrate commitment to bilateral relations through concrete actions.

The economic implications of potential export restrictions are substantial. According to analyses by Nomura Research Institute, Japan relies almost exclusively on Chinese sources for heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium, which are indispensable for manufacturing neodymium magnets used in electric vehicle motors. The research institute projects that three months of export restrictions could result in economic losses approximating 660 billion yen ($4.2 billion), reducing Japan’s nominal and real GDP by 0.11 percent annually. A full year of restrictions could exacerbate losses to approximately 2.6 trillion yen, triggering a 0.43 percent decline in both nominal and real GDP.

This development represents the latest chapter in the complex economic and diplomatic relationship between Asia’s two largest economies, where trade in critical minerals has frequently intersected with geopolitical considerations.

The United Kingdom has prohibited Dr. Shadee Elmasry, a prominent American Muslim scholar, from entering the country following an official review of his social media commentary regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revoked Elmasry’s travel authorization shortly before his scheduled speaking tour across multiple British cities.

The decision emerged after pro-Israel activists circulated Elmasry’s social media posts from October 2023, including one stating that Gazans had “finally punched back after 50 years” following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. In other posts, Elmasry contextualized the conflict by referencing historical Zionist militias and suggested that resistance movements might occasionally “go to excesses” without diminishing their moral standing.

A government source close to Mahmood stated: “There is no place in the UK for foreign nationals who spread hate or push extremist ideas. Those seeking to divide our communities will not be allowed to enter.”

Elmasry, who serves as education director at the New Brunswick Islamic Center in New Jersey, responded that his message has “always been about compassion and connection.” He expressed affection for England and indicated expectations that the decision would be overturned.

The banning process gained momentum after Conservative MP Nick Timothy publicly urged the Home Secretary to exercise her exclusion powers, characterizing Elmasry’s views as “incitement and violent extremism” rather than rational debate. This followed an anonymous social media campaign alleging Elmasry supported extremist positions.

In a recent livestream, Elmasry clarified that describing Gazans as “punched back” didn’t constitute endorsement of Hamas, noting he cannot support organizations he doesn’t fully know. He referenced United Nations provisions regarding resistance to illegal occupation while distancing himself from specific militant groups.

Hamas remains designated as a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom, adding legal context to the government’s decision to exclude individuals perceived as supporting or justifying its actions.