Chinese checkers: Timor-Leste leans on China, takes wind out of Australia’s sails
Timor-Leste, a nation that sits astride Southeast Asia and South Pacific has cleared the air on its relations with China and denied reports about its discussion with Beijing on military cooperation. However, it has given a broad hint that it has leaned heavily on China by upgrading its diplomatic ties to comprehensive strategic partnership with Beijing.
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta in an interview with Reuters said his country has not discussed military cooperation with China and that Australia and Indonesia can “sleep at peace” as the island nation would not be a security concern to its neighbours.
Lying just 680 km away from Australia, Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, created a ripple in the strategic and diplomatic corridors of Canberra and Jakarta last week when