The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: a strategic analysis with emphasis on its geo-strategic positioning/relations

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is an island country in the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. The Portuguese occupied the country until their departure in 1975. Indonesian forces invaded the island nation and occupied the territory until 1975. After that, an extended period of turmoil occurred until the country declared independence in 2002. Timor-Leste is among the poorest of the Southeast Asian nations, and its geographical positioning, climate, petroleum resources, young and ambitious population and desire to advance economically present the island nation with a potentially prosperous future. Accordingly, Timor-Leste continues to pursue membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and maintains cordial relations with the People's Republic of China. At the same time, relations with Australia have improved over the past several years. A key factor relating to Timor Leste's future is its continuing relationship with China, Australia, and, more recently, the United States. For example, Timor-Leste falls within the US Indo-Pacific Command. In 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration held the first US-Pacific Island Country Summit, resulting in the Declaration of a US Partnership. The purpose of this partnership is to deepen ties among the US and partner countries, leading to increased diplomatic and economic investment in the region. To support this initiative, the U. S. House of Representatives passed an $8 billion budget for the Indo-Pacific Partnership in April 2024. This paper aims to analyze the environment of Timor-Leste to consider a potential role in the US Pacific Partnership.