China bolsters ties with gas-rich Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste welcomes strong ties with all countries, including its southern neighbour Australia, Mr Ramos-Horta said last year. Upgrading their ties, China and Timor-Leste agreed to cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative championed by Mr Xi, that could open the way for investment in infrastructure. Looking beyond South-East Asia, China has built ties with small nations in the Pacific during recent years, worrying the United States and allies Australia and New Zealand, who have long seen the region as their sphere of influence. China sent its military-run hospital ship to the Pacific in July to visit countries including Timor-Leste and…