Australia Boosts Defence Ties with East Timor

DILI, East Timor: Australia and East Timor have signed a new defence agreement aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, maritime security and military cooperation, as Canberra seeks to limit China’s growing influence across the Pacific region.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao signed the defence framework on Thursday in Dili, with the agreement expected to significantly expand joint defence exercises and security cooperation.

Speaking to reporters, Marles said the partnership reflected the importance of closer ties between the two countries. “This is a time to double down on friendship, to double down on family,” he said.

Under the agreement, Australia will provide 62 million Australian dollars (approximately US$43.56 million) to support cybersecurity, maritime security, infrastructure development, disaster relief and training, according to an Australian government statement. Canberra will also supply East Timor with three additional police vessels.

Gusmao said the agreement would help his country tackle organised crime and illegal fishing, strengthening its ability to protect maritime interests and maintain domestic security.

East Timor, located around 700 kilometres northwest of Australia, gained independence from Indonesia in 2002. Australia remains its largest defence and security partner.

Concerns Over China’s Expanding Regional Presence
The agreement comes amid growing Australian concerns about China’s expanding naval capabilities and its security cooperation with Pacific Island nations.

In August, China's Defence Ministry said Defence Minister Dong Jun had met East Timor's leaders in Dili and offered to take military-to-military relations to a new level.

Canberra has recently signed several major defence and economic agreements with Pacific nations, including Vanuatu, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, as it seeks to strengthen regional partnerships and limit China's security role.

Australia's agreement with Vanuatu includes provisions preventing foreign military bases or infrastructure from being established in the country. However, Vanuatu's police minister recently rejected claims that the arrangement would require Chinese police personnel to leave. Vanuatu's police force has also shared images of Chinese officers training local personnel to operate surveillance drones.

The latest agreement with East Timor highlights Australia's broader effort to deepen regional security partnerships as strategic competition between Canberra and Beijing continues across the Pacific.