China and East Timor have upgraded bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, potentially giving Beijing more influence in the region while satisfying the young half-island nation’s desire for stronger ties with major economies.
The agreement to enhance relations came after Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) met with East Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in Hangzhou, China, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday.
“Both sides will increase mutual support and strengthen international cooperation,” said Xi.
Last year, when Jose Ramos-Horta was inaugurated as East Timor’s fifth president since the country’s independence in 2002, the Nobel laureate pledged to forge closer relations with China, especially in energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
He said he would continue to foster a relationship with the US, but added that East Timor would not be implicated in any rivalry between Beijing and Washington.
East Timor welcomes strong ties with all countries, including its southern neighbor Australia, Ramos-Horta said last year.
Upgrading their ties, China and East Timor agreed to cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative championed by Xi, which could open the way for investment in infrastructure.
Looking beyond Southeast Asia, China has built ties with small nations in the Pacific during recent years, worrying the US and allies Australia and New Zealand, who have long seen the region as their sphere of influence.
China sent its military-run hospital ship to the Pacific in July to visit countries including East Timor and the Solomon islands.
In a joint declaration, released yesterday on state run China Central Television, China said it would help East Timor’s economic and societal development.
Both sides agreed on close high-level military interactions, an expansion of bilateral investment, and cooperation in areas including infrastructure and food, the statement said.
The two governments also said they would enhance energy policy exchange and study possibilities for joint exploration for oil and gas.
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