East Timor, China: Increased Military Ties and a Message to Australia

China's pledge to construct a new military headquarters for East Timor is the latest sign of increased military and economic cooperation between the countries, a move that is certain to garner the attention of Dili's traditional patron, Australia. While China's assistance to East Timor is still less than Australia's, the East Timorese prime minister's announcement that his country is seeking partners willing to provide unconditional support is a sign that Dili intends to reduce Canberra's dominance of the country. In this effort, East Timor may find in China a new partner eager to assist for its own purposes.