"The visit of the Chinese government delegation to Somalia today was delayed due to technical issues. The Chinese government will issue a formal statement about this matter," the official at the presidential palace told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Wang was in Ethiopia on Thursday to meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the head of the African Union, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

A joint statement by Wang and the African Union criticised the recent decision by Israel to recognise Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia.

Wang was due to fly on to Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho.

All have seen relations with the West sour in recent months, with the administration of President Donald Trump lashing out at Somalis in the United States, Tanzania criticised over a bloody election crackdown, and Lesotho hit by punishing US tariffs.