The most recent significant communique between China and Timor-Leste is the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership issued on July 29, 2024.
This joint statement was released during the state visit of President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste to China. It outlines a commitment to carrying forward mutual trust and win-win cooperation, further promoting comprehensive strategic cooperation, and working towards building a China-Timor-Leste Community with a shared future.
Key points from the communique include:
Elevation of Bilateral Relations: The two sides decided to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023, which was further strengthened by this joint statement.
High-level Exchanges and Mutual Trust: Agreement to maintain positive momentum in high-level exchanges, reinforce strategic communication, and solidify friendship and mutual trust.
Cooperation in Key Areas: Joint efforts to promote cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, agriculture and fishery, health, water conservancy, energy, education, poverty reduction, industrial revitalization, infrastructure development, food self-sufficiency, and improvement of people's livelihood.
Belt and Road Initiative: The signing of "The Cooperation Plan between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on Jointly Promoting the Belt and Road Initiative" was highlighted.
Military and Police Cooperation: Agreement to enhance exchanges at all levels between military and police forces, strengthening cooperation in personnel training, equipment technology, joint exercises, and law enforcement.
Multilateralism and Global Issues: Commitment to jointly maintain unity and cooperation in the international community, oppose hegemonism and power politics, uphold true multilateralism, and promote common values of peace, development, equity, justice, freedom, democracy, and human rights. They also agreed to respond to climate change with joint efforts.
One-China Principle: Timor-Leste reiterated its firm and unequivocal adherence to the One-China principle.
This communique signifies a deepening of ties and a broader scope of cooperation between the two nations.
