Image Credit: CGTN
On July 29, 2024, China and Timor-Leste formalized a new cooperation plan aimed at advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The announcement, made by China’s Development and Reform Commission on Friday, details a comprehensive framework for policy alignment, infrastructure development, trade, finance, and civil exchange between the two nations.
During his state visit to China, President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste engaged in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in enhancing the bilateral relationship under the BRI, a flagship project of China’s global development strategy.
The cooperation plan underscores China’s commitment to fostering robust ties with Timor-Leste by integrating the latter into the BRI’s ambitious network. The plan’s goals include improving infrastructure connectivity, boosting trade and financial collaboration, and promoting mutual cultural understanding. By focusing on these areas, China and Timor-Leste aim to deepen their strategic partnership, which is expected to yield substantial benefits for their populations.
The BRI, launched in 2013, seeks to enhance global trade routes and economic connections through large-scale infrastructure projects and investments. The latest agreement with Timor-Leste represents a significant step in extending the initiative’s reach and impact.
This agreement highlights China’s ongoing efforts to expand its international influence through strategic partnerships, reflecting its broader objectives of global connectivity and economic integration. The cooperation plan is anticipated to pave the way for future collaborative ventures between the two countries, strengthening their economic and diplomatic bonds.