Commercial satellite images show that China has upgraded its naval base in Djibouti nearly a decade after it first opened. Even before enhancing the facility, the Chinese army was already using lasers to blind American military pilots landing at the airstrip they share with the country’s small international airport. China will not allow U.S. ships to resupply deployed naval vessels from either Djibouti or Mombasa.

Just 37 miles from Djibouti is Somaliland, a former British protectorate which won brief independence before entering a voluntary but ultimately failed union with Somalia. For the past 35 years, Somaliland has operated as an independent and successful state while Somalia remains mired in corruption and terrorism. While Somaliland embraces Taiwan and Israel, Somalia doubles down on China and Turkey. Yet, even as the Houthis tighten the noose on the nearby Strait of Hormuz and piracy surges in the Gulf of Aden, the State Department blocks cooperation with Somaliland. Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau’s excuse? Respecting the status quo.