China's efforts to safeguarding world peace have been hailed by officials and military personnel of Timor-Leste. In January, a Chinese Navy task force paid a five-day official visit to the country.
Timor-Leste was the 13th stop of its global goodwill visits that started in August 2015 after completing an escort mission in the Gulf of Aden. The visit was seen as an effort to promote the development of bilateral relations and regional stability.
"We think the global reach of the Chinese navy is very important. It can play an important role in maintaining regional peace and stability. The Naval forces of Timor-Leste also hope that we can play our part and work together with the Chinese navy to safeguard regional and world peace and stability," said Cirilo, Cristovao, Minister of Defense of Timor-Leste.
"China’s Navy tour around it’s not a show of force. It is strengthening friendship, the friendship between countries and people. Very important the relationship between people to people," said Xanana Gusmao, former president of Timor-Leste.