Famine, civil war, fundamentalism, piracy and corruption are words that have become synonymous with the east African state of Somalia. Events that have occurred in the last three decades have resulted in the country being deemed as a "failed state" by the UN.

Once standing as the example of democracy after its 1960 independence, its lengthy war with Ethiopia over the disputed Ogaden region and a foreign invasion by the United States has led to political instability and wars that have been well documented by the world's media.

Despite its problems, Somalia possesses a rich history that can be seen in the hieroglyphics of Egypt's pyramids. Known as the Land of Punt, an ancient kingdom that thrived in its trade of frankincense, the first ever documented trade agreement between two countries occurred between ancient Egypt and Punt 4,500 years ago, long before the conveniences of airfreight and logistics.

Somalia's connection with China dates back further than many realize. Being ruled by the Islamic Ajuuran Sultanate, the ruler of Mogadishu sent ambassadors to China to establish diplomatic ties, creating the first ever recorded African community in China. In return, Emperor Yongle, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), dispatched one of the largest fleets in history to trade with the nation. The fleet, under the leadership of the famed Hui Muslim Zheng He, arrived at Mogadishu while the city was at its zenith. Along with gold, frankincense and fabrics, Zheng brought back the first ever African wildlife to China, which included hippos, giraffes and gazelles.

Taken aback by the interest that China had in its goods, Somali rulers continued to trade with China and developed an unbreakable bond. As formal trade had ceased with Somalia in the latter part of the Ming Dynasty, archaeologists have found coins that date to the succeeding Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), showing that China's interests in Somalia were ongoing.

After years of colonial British and Italian rule, Somalia unified under a single government. The 1969 military coup saw the rise of the nation's longest serving head of state, Siad Barre.

Barre had been influenced by the teachings of Chairman Mao and adopted scientific socialism. Seeking to revolutionize a country that had been dominated by colonial powers, he sent a delegation to China who instigated a renewed interest in trade with Somalia. A Somali legend states that Mao himself gave the green light for Somalia to create its own writing system using the Roman alphabet, giving the nation a sense of individuality after decades of foreign influences.

To this day, China and Somalia have continued trade agreements that have resulted in thousands of Chinese workers settling in the unrecognized state of Somali land. Chinese workers, who are fluent in Somali, can still be seen alongside their Somali counterparts. In return, China has bore witness to a growing Somali community in its major cities, consisting of traders and students who are fluent in Mandarin. While still facing adversity, Somalia can claim the title of being the "China-Africa prototype."