Ambassador Wang Wenli
On June 2nd, an article was published in Tatoli, which was written by H.E. Ambassador Dionísio Babo Soares, permanent representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, titled “Rethinking Beijing-Dili Relations from a Timor-Leste’s Perspective.” As the Chinese ambassador to Timor-Leste, I would like to take this opportunity to re-clarify four pillar principles governing China’s policy toward Timor-Leste.
First, in developing its relations with Timor-Leste, China always upholds the principle of mutual respect and treating each other as equals. China believes that all countries, regardless of size, stand as equals in international affairs, never thinks any country inherently superior to others, and firmly opposes the practice of the law of the jungle where one is “either at the table or on the menu.” The exchanges and cooperation between China and Timor-Leste have also based on the principle of sovereign equality. Timor-Leste is a traditional friend of China. China proudly stands as the very first nation to establish diplomatic ties with Timor-Leste following the restoration of its independence. Over the past 24 years, successive Timorese leaders have visited China in various forms, driving a continuous deepening of bilateral relations. In July 2024, at the invitation of the Chinese side, President José Ramos-Horta paid his first state visit to China. The Chinese side extended the highest echelon of diplomatic protocol—red carpet, welcoming artillery salute, and a grand welcome ceremony. Throughout the visit, the heads of state of both nations exchanged views on bilateral relations and pressing international and regional affairs. The arrangements show China’s high courtesy and respect attached to a traditional and close friend. It is the fruit of the long-term growth of our relations, and also a clear demonstration of China’s commitment to the equality of all nations, big or small.
Secondly, the bond between China and Timor-Leste is rooted in deep historical foundations that only grow more resilient over time. Chinese culture values peace , and China always seeks friendship and cooperation when it develops relations with other countries. As friendly neighbors, interactions between our two peoples date back centuries: Chinese records noted “Timor” as early as the Southern Song Dynasty 800 years ago. By the 13th century, Chinese voyagers had braved the seas to reach Timor-Leste, and by the 16th century, the Chinese started to settle in Timor-Leste. Centuries of shared history nurtured an enduring bond of mutual affinity, neighborly goodwill, and Chinese diaspora accounts for 2% of Timor-Leste’s population—all of which weave into a priceless asset for our bilateral heritage. This historical bond seamlessly translates into modern practical cooperation: Chinese medical teams have been saving Timorese lives at the Timor-Leste National Hospital (HNGV) since 2004. Chinese agricultural experts have worked alongside local farmers in Manatuto and Natarbora to boost rice and livestock production. Chinese people actively fuel the local economy and society through hard works. The government office buildings, granaries, and dormitories constructed with Chinese assistance, alongside the upcoming coastal embankment rehabilitation and friendship hospital, are all projects that benefit Timor-Leste people. These exchanges and cooperation are rooted in centuries of historical interactions and driven by the recent rapid, stable development of bilateral relations—reflecting a clear historical and practical inevitability
Thirdly, the flourishing cooperation between China and Timor-Leste aligns with the country’s current economic imperatives. At present, Timor-Leste is at a critical juncture of accelerating its economic development. In my nearly three years of service here, I can deeply feel the dedication and sense of urgency among Timorese leaders and officials for the development of this young nation. They are eager to attract global support and investment to foster local industries and improve people’s livelihoods. Having traversed our own path from national independence to shared prosperity, China deeply empathizes with the Timorese people’s earnest aspirations for a better life. China’s support and aid—spanning industrial cultivation, infrastructure development, food self-sufficiency, and livelihood improvement—is tailor-made for Timor-Leste’s developmental needs. As the Chinese saying goes, “ Practical actions make a nation thrive.” With our bilateral relations now enjoying strong momentum, China is ready to work hand in hand with Timor-Leste to focus on offering solutions and boost economic development.
Fourth, China-Timor-Leste cooperation is about mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. This is the core principle of the Global Development Initiative proposed by China, and the value pursued by Chinese enterprises operating in Timor-Leste. As a young nation, it is important for Timor-Leste to build stable revenue sources and vigorously develop its infrastructure. China’s robust infrastructure capabilities have become a powerful engine for Timor-Leste’s development. The Suai Expressway—the first-ever highway in Timor-Leste—the National Grid, and Tibar Port, all built by Chinese enterprises, stand out as landmark projects of China-Timor-Leste practical cooperation. These infrastructure projects do more than offer high political visibility; most importantly, they deliver tangible improvements to infrastructure capacity of Timor-Leste. It should be pointed out that any investment or cooperation is driven by demand, and every cooperation project is hard-won. The Chinese government has always been informed and prudent in its outbound investment and lending. Every project between China and Timor-Leste is based on mutual benefit and friendly consultation. The idea that the Chinese government goes out of its way to force other countries to take our investments and loans is a total fantasy—it simply shows how deeply some have been influenced by the false “China debt trap” narrative.
As fellow Asian nations and developing countries, China and Timor-Leste share no historical grievances or conflicting interests. There is every reason for us to boost our bilateral relations to flourish and thrive. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China stands ready to work hand-in-hand with all sectors of Timorese society, and to advance bilateral ties and deliver tangible benefits to both peoples through win-win cooperation.
