People's Republic of China–East Timor relations

Sino-East Timor relations

Map indicating locations of China and East Timor
China	Timor-Leste

Sino-East Timor relations were established on May 20, 2002, when UN Administration of the Area was abolished, replaced by the Government of East Timor.^[1] However, the Chinese government has had an "ambassadorial-level representative office in Dili" since 2001.^[2]

Since Timorese Independence, China has paid for the erection of the Presidential Palace in Dili, as well as "the ministry of foreign affairs and the military residential headquarters".^[3] In 2003, Beijing signed a deal with the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, of which East Timor is a member, to increase trade and economic development among the countries.^[4] According to Ian Storey of the Jamestown Foundation, President of East Timor Xanana Gusmão has called China a "a “reliable friend” and had committed East Timor to a One China policy"^[5]

There is also increased military cooperation between the two countries, with the 2008 purchase of two Shanghai-Class patrol boats from a Chinese company.^[3][6] These boats will originally be manned by Chinese sailors, while the Chinese train the Timorese to guard their coasts.^[6] On top of this, China has signed a contract providing $9 million toward the building of a new headquarters for the military in East Timor.^[3]

See also

• Foreign relations of East Timor
• Foreign relations of the People's Republic of China

References

1. ^ "China, East Timor Establish Diplomatic Relations." Xinhua News Agency, 19 May 2002. Web. 24 August 2010. <http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2002-05/19/content_399826.htm>.
2. ^ "East Timor." 欢迎访问中华人民共和国外交部网站. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, 23 October 2003. Web. 24 August 2010. <http://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/yzs/gjlb/2706/>.
3. ^ ^{a b c} Everingham, Sara. "China, East Timor Strengthen Military Ties - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)." ABC.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 24 August 2010. Web. 24 August 2010. <http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/24/2992304.htm?section=justin>.
4. ^ Leach, Michael. "TALKING PORTUGUESE: CHINA AND EAST TIMOR." Arena Magazine. Mary MacKillop East Timor Mission. Australia –East Timor Association. Web. <http://www.mmiets.org.au/news/documents/Leach_Talking_Portuguese.pdf>.
5. ^ Storey, Ian. "China and East Timor: Good, but Not Best Friends." Association for Asia Research, 15 August 2006. Web. 24 August 2010. <http://www.asianresearch.org/articles/2920.html>.
6. ^ ^{a b} Murdoch, Lindsay. "Relations Strained as East Timor Buys Chinese Navy Boats." Sydney Morning Herald - Business & World News Australia | Smh.com.au. Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 2010. Web. 24 August 2010. <http://www.smh.com.au/world/relations-strained-as-east-timor-buys-chinese-navy-boats-20100606-xn5y.html>.