Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun Meets Timor-Leste Leaders in Dili

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili, marking the first visit by a Chinese defense minister to the country. According to Chinese state media, President Ramos-Horta reaffirmed Timor-Leste's commitment to the One-China policy and stated that South China Sea disputes should be resolved through bilateral negotiations among claimant states. Both sides expressed intent to deepen strategic communication, expand practical military cooperation, and advance bilateral ties.

This official visit represents a notable milestone in China's security diplomacy in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific periphery. Establishing direct high-level defense engagement with Timor-Leste signals Beijing's intent to broaden security partnerships beyond traditional economic and infrastructural assistance, potentially influencing regional maritime alignments and multilateral consensus within regional bodies.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun conducted an official visit to Timor-Leste, meeting with President José Ramos-Horta on August 18 and holding formal talks with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Dili on August 19, according to Chinese state media. During the meeting with President Ramos-Horta, Dong emphasized that this marked the first visit by a Chinese defense minister to Timor-Leste. Dong stated that the visit aimed to deepen strategic mutual trust, elevate defense cooperation, and provide support for building a China-Timor-Leste community with a shared future. He conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, offered congratulations on the anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste, and noted that bilateral relations had entered their best period in history. According to the official Chinese readout, President Ramos-Horta expressed gratitude for China's long-term assistance since Timor-Leste's independence and welcomed deeper practical cooperation between the two militaries. Ramos-Horta stated that Timor-Leste strictly adheres to the One-China policy, opposes external interference in China's internal affairs, and believes that South China Sea disputes should be resolved through bilateral negotiations among the countries directly concerned. He added that Timor-Leste is willing to work with China and other regional nations to maintain peace, friendship, and cooperation in the maritime area. On August 19, Prime Minister Gusmão held a formal welcome ceremony and bilateral talks with Dong. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral and military relations, regional and international affairs, and issues of mutual concern. Both leaders agreed to carry out the consensus reached by their respective heads of state, deepen bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation, and advance military relations to a higher level. The discussions highlight Beijing's continued diplomatic efforts to foster security ties across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, combining diplomatic support with expanding military dialogue.