SYDNEY: Australia announced to spend $23 million to bolster policing in East Timor, boosting disaster response and technology capabilities in the small Southeast Asian neighbour that recently upgraded ties with China.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, arrived in East Timor on Monday and held discussions with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.
Expressing Australia’s commitment, Conroy stated, “Australia is dedicated to collaborating with Timor-Leste to deliver proficient and professional policing services that contribute to the country’s stability and security.”
This $23 million funding will sustain the ongoing policing partnership between the two countries, which commenced two decades ago.
East Timor’s President Jose Ramos Horta previously mentioned that a strategic partnership inked by Gusmão with China would enhance Chinese investments and infrastructure in the country, without extending to military cooperation, affirming Australia’s continued role as its primary security ally.
Australia is closely monitoring China’s efforts to bolster security and policing ties in the Pacific region, particularly after Beijing’s security agreement with the Solomon Islands.
Situated around 700 kilometres northwest of Australia, East Timor is a developing nation.
The Chinese ambassador to Australia clarified this month that Beijing’s focus in the Pacific Island nations is on policing assistance rather than defence, asserting that Australia need not be alarmed by China’s expanding presence in the region.
Conroy is scheduled to visit Nauru on Tuesday, following its recent switch of diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to Beijing earlier this month.
