China supports Timor Leste in safeguarding national security

UNITED NATIONS - China firmly supports the efforts of Timor Leste in safeguarding national security and stability after the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers, a Chinese UN envoy said Monday.

China is happy that the national police of Timor Leste are officially and fully responsible for domestic security, Wang Min, Chinese deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said at an open Security Council meeting on the situation in the island country.

"China firmly supports the government of Timor Leste in enhancing capacity building of national institutions and safeguarding national security and stability," he said.

United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor Leste Police (UNPOL) terminated mission in Timor Leste on October 31 and handed full policing power to the national police.

The UN peacekeepers were deployed in 2006 after a political crisis and are due to leave the 10-year-old impoverished country by the end of this year.

Wang praised UNPOL for its great contributions to maintaining safety and stability of Timor Leste and promoting its socio-economic development.

"China hopes that, after the withdrawal of the peacekeepers, the UN could discuss the future cooperation issue with the government of Timor Leste on the basis of full consultations and respect of the opinion of the government," he said.

China calls on the international community to help Timor Leste improve capacity of independent development, develop infrastructure, education and health care, and promote inclusive and equitable socio-economic development.

As a friendly cooperative partner of Timor Leste, China will continue to provide assistance and support to the country within its capacity, Wang added.