Australia and Timor-Leste have signed a new defence agreement aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and maritime security, amid Canberra’s efforts to limit China’s influence in the Pacific region. The deal, inked on October 22 in Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital, will see Australia increase its defence cooperation with the island nation, which it regards as a key partner in regional security.
Under the framework, Australia is committing A$62 million (S$55.56 million) towards initiatives including cybersecurity, maritime security, infrastructure development, disaster relief, and training programs. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, who signed the agreement alongside Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral ties. “This is a time to double down on friendship, to double down on family,” Marles said.
Australia is Timor-Leste’s largest defence and security partner and plans to provide three additional police vessels to support the country’s maritime patrol capabilities. Gusmao noted that the enhanced partnership will help Timor-Leste combat organized crime and illegal fishing, persistent challenges in the region.
Located approximately 700 kilometers northwest of northern Australia, Timor-Leste is strategically positioned near the Australian city of Darwin, which hosts a rotating contingent of US Marines. Security experts highlight Darwin’s significance in safeguarding Australia’s northern approaches. Analysts, including Euan Graham of the Australian National Security College, have pointed to the importance of ensuring that Timor-Leste does not facilitate strategic access for China in the region.
Australia’s move comes amid concerns over China’s expanding naval presence and increasing involvement in several Pacific Island countries, where Chinese police have also been operating. In August, China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun met with Timor-Leste officials in Dili, expressing interest in elevating military-to-military relations. Separately, Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas visited Moscow in October for discussions, indicating the country’s engagement with multiple global powers.
This agreement with Timor-Leste forms part of a broader Australian strategy encompassing recent defence and economic partnerships with Pacific nations including Vanuatu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. These initiatives seek to balance China’s growing security role in the region. Australia’s A$500 million deal with Vanuatu, for instance, explicitly bans the construction of foreign military bases or infrastructure there and positions Australia as the principal policing partner.
However, the approach has met some resistance. Vanuatu’s Police Minister dismissed claims that Chinese police would be phased out, pointing to ongoing cooperation. Vanuatu police have even shared images on social media showcasing Chinese officers operating surveillance drones, underscoring the complex dynamics at play.
The Australia-Timor-Leste defence pact underscores Canberra’s commitment to maintaining influence in its near abroad while supporting the capacity-building efforts of its regional partners.