Amid rising concerns over China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific, Australia and Timor-Leste have signed a significant defence agreement aimed at bolstering cybersecurity, maritime security, and regional cooperation. The agreement was formalized in Dili by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.
Under this framework, Australia commits A$62 million (US$43.5 million) to initiatives enhancing Timor-Leste’s cybersecurity, maritime security, infrastructure development, and disaster relief capabilities. The deal also includes the provision of three additional police vessels to Timor-Leste and an expansion of joint defence exercises between the two nations.
Richard Marles highlighted the agreement as a pivotal step in consolidating the deep-rooted relationship between the countries, with Australia continuing to serve as Timor-Leste’s most significant defence and security partner. Prime Minister Gusmão emphasized the agreement’s role in helping Timor-Leste combat organized crime and illegal fishing, while also improving its maritime defence capabilities.
Timor-Leste’s strategic location, approximately 700 kilometres northwest of Australia and near Darwin, underscores its importance to regional security dynamics. The presence of a rotating force of U.S. Marines in Darwin further amplifies the area’s significance for Australia’s northern defence strategy.
The signing of this agreement comes as part of Australia’s broader strategy to enhance security partnerships across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, particularly in response to China’s growing naval presence and its interest in expanding military ties with countries in the region, including Timor-Leste. Australia has also pursued similar defence and security pacts with other Pacific island nations such as Vanuatu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea to strengthen regional partnerships.