Timor-Leste’s president has hit back at criticism of a new partnership between his country and China, which includes plans to enhance military engagement, accusing detractors of “imagining Chinese ghosts”. José Ramos-Horta, serving as president for the second time, told the Guardian that both Timor-Leste and China were “confused” by the concerns raised over the upgrading of ties between the two countries to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” announced last week. Australia’s relationship with China is also designated a “comprehensive strategic partnership”, but Timor-Leste’s had been linked to concerns from Canberra and…
Tag: Timor-Leste
‘Playing the China card’ or a serious regional threat? Timor Leste’s new deal with Beijing
It lies just to the north of Australia, but the tiny and impoverished country of Timor Leste is strengthening ties with China as it faces a looming fiscal crisis – a move that comes after decades of mistreatment by Canberra and raises difficult questions for its leaders. Timor-Leste, which is situated 680km from Darwin and has massive and untapped undersea resources, surprised the region last week when it formally upgraded bilateral relations with China. A joint statement included plans to enhance military cooperation and explore developments of Timor-Leste’s oil and…