President of Timor-Leste says development is priority with China

The President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta hinted that China declined an appeal to establish military infrastructure in his nation over concerns it would alarm Australia.

It follows after some Australian politicians expressed apprehension when China and Timor-Leste upgraded their diplomatic ties last month. Mr Ramos-Horta said Timor-Leste sought more Chinese assistance for meeting key development priorities including establishing food self-sufficiency and local infrastructure and boosting trade. 

The new partnership also mentions it would improve high level military exchanges and boosting cooperation of joint exercises and training. 

Image: Image: Shuttlestock – Rumana Ferdousi

Produced By: Tahlia Kraefft

Featured In Story: Dr Pete Connolly, Department of Pacific Affairs ANU and Adjunct Fellow Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington

First aired on The Wire, Thursday 12 October 2023