Australia Strengthens Defence Links with Timor-Leste to Counter China
A new defence agreement enhances security cooperation between Australia and Timor-Leste, amid growing concerns over China's influence in the region.
New Defence Agreement Signed
On October 22, Australia and Timor-Leste formalized a key defence agreement aimed at enhancing cyber and maritime security. This partnership arises from Australia's commitment to strengthen its ties with its regional neighbors and to address the increasing influence of China.
Investment in Security
Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, announced that the agreement would lead to a boost in joint defence exercises between the two nations. He emphasized the importance of friendship in this alliance while speaking at a press conference in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste.
As part of this commitment, Australia will allocate A$62 million (approximately S$55.6 million) towards various initiatives, including cybersecurity, maritime security, infrastructure development, disaster relief efforts, and training programs.
Concerns Over Regional Stability
Situated about 700km northwest of Australia, Timor-Leste has been a significant partner in terms of defense and security for Australia. Gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002, the nation has continually worked on strengthening its military capabilities.
With China’s navy expanding rapidly, Australia has expressed concerns regarding the stability of the Pacific region, particularly with increasing Chinese police presence in island nations. In this context, Marles indicated that Australia's goal is to ensure that Timor-Leste does not fall under China's strategic influence.
Support for Law Enforcement
In addition to the financial investment, Australia will also provide Timor-Leste with three new police vessels, enhancing the country's ability to combat organized crime and illegal fishing activities, according to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.
Gusmao emphasized the importance of this new defense agreement, noting that it is essential for empowering Timor-Leste’s law enforcement agencies and fostering greater regional security.
The Strategic Importance of Timor-Leste
Experts highlight the strategic significance of Timor-Leste's location as it lies near Darwin, which serves as a base for a rotating force of US Marines. Euan Graham, an associate at the Australian National Security College, stated that keeping Timor-Leste aligned with Australia is crucial for safeguarding Australia’s northern approaches.
If China were to gain strategic access to Timor-Leste, it could present substantial geopolitical challenges for Australia and its allies.
China's Moves in the Region
In August, China's Defence Minister Dong Jun reportedly met with Timor-Leste’s officials, discussing the enhancement of military relations between the two nations. Furthermore, Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas visited Moscow in October, potentially indicating a diversification of its international partnerships.
Recently, Australia has engaged in various significant defense and economic agreements across the Pacific Islands, including collaborations with nations like Vanuatu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. These agreements are strategically designed to limit China’s security influence in the region.
For instance, the A$500 million agreement with Vanuatu explicitly prohibits the construction of any foreign military base on its territory while supporting Australia as its primary policing partner. However, Vanuatu's Police Minister mentioned that the deal does not necessitate the removal of Chinese police presence, as evidenced by social media posts showcasing Chinese officers training local police in drone surveillance.
