Australia commits US$44 million to boost East Timor’s cyber, maritime security

South China Morning Post - Oct 22, 2026

Australia and East Timor signed a defence deal on Thursday to boost cyber and maritime security as Canberra seeks to curb China’s influence among its island neighbours. Australia is East Timor’s largest defence and security partner and the agreement will significantly increase defence exercises, Defence Minister Richard Marles told reporters. “This is a time to double down on friendship, to double down on family,” he said in East Timor’s capital Dili. Australia will provide A$62 million (US$44...

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Australia commits US$44 million to boost East Timor’s cyber, maritime security

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