China and Timor-Leste unveiled a joint declaration on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signaling an enhanced phase in their relationship. This announcement coincided with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste’s visit to Hangzhou for the 19th Asian Games.
Historical Context
Over the past 21 years since their diplomatic association, both nations have progressed on mutual respect and equality, deepening their camaraderie. Specifically, since 2014’s partnership focusing on mutual trust, the bond has solidified further, impacting not just governance but also grassroots sentiments.
In today’s dynamically shifting global scenario, the strategic weight of China-Timor-Leste ties has intensified. This partnership aims at propelling mutual prosperity and contributing significantly to global stability and growth.
Accolades and Future Visions
Timor-Leste applauds China’s transformative strides in its New Era, viewing its modernization as a fresh development template for other countries. The vision China has for its future, under the guidance of the Communist Party, is seen as a beacon for worldwide modernization.
Conversely, China commends Timor-Leste for its post-independence achievements, both in governance and economic upliftment. China envisions a bright future for Timor-Leste under its new government and reaffirms support for its socio-economic trajectory.
Strategic Alliances
High-level dialogues will maintain momentum, with an emphasis on amplifying strategic interactions and fortifying mutual political trust. This collaboration will permeate to various governmental tiers, from central to local, as well as amongst different governance institutions.
Key Policy Stances
Central to their partnership is mutual backing on crucial international interests. Timor-Leste underscores its staunch support for the one-China principle, recognizing China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and opposing any “Taiwan independence” movements. China, in turn, reinforces its commitment to Timor-Leste’s national sovereignty and its right to choose its developmental trajectory.
Shared Global Vision
Timor-Leste stands behind President Xi Jinping’s concept of a shared future for humanity and China’s trio of global initiatives on development, security, and civilization. Both nations aim to enrich these domains, fostering a cohesive global community.
Collaborative Endeavors
Their cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has borne fruit. A fresh cooperation plan for the BRI will soon be ratified, amplifying their synergistic efforts.
Trade and investment will gain traction through mechanisms like the China-Timor-Leste Economic and Trade Joint Committee. Their collaboration will span:
- Industry Revitalization: Focus on fisheries and the coffee sector, with China offering technical aid and market access.
- Infrastructure Development: China’s involvement in Timor-Leste’s national grid, roads, ports, and more.
- Food Self-sufficiency: Agri-tech projects, hybrid rice breeding, and food processing.
- Livelihood Improvement: China’s continued medical assistance, educational scholarships, and other socio-economic projects for Timor-Leste’s betterment.
Additionally, there’s an emphasis on military collaboration, characterized by joint exercises and training. Timor-Leste expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by China’s Peace Ark Hospital ship during its “Mission Harmony-2023.”
Provincial and Regional Collaborations
Hunan Province (China) and Manatuto District (Timor-Leste) are set to enhance their cooperative endeavors in agriculture and more. Both nations also support establishing a sister-city bond between Macao and Dili.
China backs Timor-Leste’s aspirations to join ASEAN, promising support for its regional participation and advocating more inclusive China-ASEAN and East Asia collaborations.
Furthermore, both countries laud the significance of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in Macao and pledge to harness its potential further.
Global Positions
Both countries converge on numerous global positions, especially the role of the United Nations in upholding world peace and development. They jointly advocate for true multilateralism, opposing hegemonic tendencies and emphasizing the principles of the UN Charter.
Closing Remarks
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao conveyed his appreciation for China’s hospitality, expressing eagerness for further Chinese leadership visits to Timor-Leste, signaling a future of deeper cooperation and mutual growth.
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