Timor-Leste is situated at the easternmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands in Southeast Asia. Timor-Leste declared independence on May 20, 2002, and China established diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste on the same day. Today, let's learn about the "Youngest Nation in Southeast Asia" – Timor-Leste.
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At the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit in November 2022, the "ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Timor-Leste's Application for ASEAN Membership" was issued, agreeing in principle to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN, granting it observer status. The 42nd ASEAN Summit in 2023 adopted the roadmap for Timor-Leste's full membership in ASEAN; Timor-Leste is accelerating its integration into the ASEAN family.
In September 2023, the leaders of the two countries met in Hangzhou and jointly announced the elevation of China-Timor-Leste relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two sides issued the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In 2023, Timor-Leste participated in the CAEXPO for the first time as an ASEAN Observer State.
Domingos Lopes Antunes, Vice Minister of Trade and Industry of Timor-Leste (third from left in picture), led a delegation to visit the Commodity Exhibition Zone of the 20th CAEXPO.
In 2025, Timor-Leste's Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipe Nino Pereira (second from right in picture), led a delegation to visit the merchandise exhibition area at the 22nd CAEXPO.
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Since its first participation in the CAEXPO in 2023, Timor-Leste has been showcasing its developments and business opportunities in trade, investment, culture, and other aspects in Pavilion of Cities of Charm.
