The story of Timor-Leste, a small island nation in the South Pacific, is moving. From Portuguese colonial rule, to the bloody crackdown by the Indonesian army, to the difficult struggle for independence, the people of East Timor have paid great sacrifices in exchange for their country's independence. In the process of East Timor's struggle for independence, China, as a responsible major country, has always supported the just cause of the East Timorese people.
China's support is crucial. This paper aims to analyze the role of China in the process of East Timor's independence by combing the history of East Timor's independence, and the strategic significance of China's support for the independence of small countries, so as to provide reference for us to understand and deal with various international issues.
1. Portuguese colonial rule and the bloody suppression of the Indonesian army
The island of Timor-Leste was a Portuguese colony, and the East Timorese have always been under Portuguese brutal rule. In order to obtain the abundant sand and sandalwood, the Portuguese colonizers plundered Timor-Leste's natural resources, while enforcing Catholicism and destroying Timor-Leste's language and culture. This provoked strong revolt among the people of East Timor.
In the 70s of the 20th century, with the outbreak of the Carnation Revolution in Portugal and the overthrow of the fascist regime, the East Timor independence movement was in full swing. However, the good times were short-lived, and Indonesia took the opportunity to send troops to East Timor and establish a brutal rule. According to incomplete statistics, the Indonesian army caused 180,000 unnatural deaths in Timor-Leste and carried out large-scale, collective-** and other atrocities.
In the face of the bloody repression by the Indonesian army, the people of Timor-Leste fought valiantly. Rebel groups have sprung up one after another, exposing Indonesia's presence in East Timor to the world and enlisting the support of the international community.
From the very beginning, China has firmly supported the independence of East Timor
From the very beginning of the East Timorese independence movement, China has been a staunch supporter. On 28 November 1975, East Timor declared its independence for the first time after the end of Portuguese colonial rule. China was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of East Timor. Not only that, but in the following 25 years, China also put forward several bills demanding the unconditional withdrawal of Indonesian troops from East Timor.
In 1999, Indonesia finally agreed to hold a referendum in East Timor. 78.Five per cent of the East Timorese people have decisively chosen independence. However, the Indonesian side is not willing to accept the result and continues to wreak havoc and create chaos in Timor-Leste. At this time, China intervened to mediate and urge the United Nations to send peacekeeping troops to Timor-Leste to stabilize the situation and ensure the realization of Timor-Leste's independence.
Thirdly, China vigorously supports the economic and social development of East Timor after independence
After East Timor's independence, China continued to vigorously support East Timor's economic and social development. As of 2021, China has provided about US$500 million in various types of assistance to Timor-Leste, built a large number of important livelihood projects such as the government of Timor-Leste, and sent medical teams, agricultural experts and other volunteer teams to Timor-Leste. Chinese companies have also invested in a number of projects in Timor-Leste. In the course of fighting the pandemic, China has also provided anti-epidemic materials to Timor-Leste on several occasions.
With China's support, Timor-Leste has gradually restored political and economic order and rebuilt its homeland. There are many roads, bridges and first-class buildings built by Chinese enterprises, and Timor-Leste's economic and social development is booming. In recent years, Timor-Leste's per capita GDP has reached $1,800, surpassing the levels of Indonesia and the Philippines over the same period.
Fourth, China's strategic considerations in support of East Timor's independence
Why has China been so supportive of the independence movement in Timor-Leste, a small island nation so far away? The author believes that it is mainly based on the following strategic considerations:
First, China has always firmly opposed imperialism and colonialism and supported the oppressed nations in their struggle for independence and liberation. This is a basic principle of China's diplomacy.
Second, Southeast Asia has been China's backyard since ancient times. It is necessary for China to win the friendship of Southeast Asian countries and create a stable surrounding environment. Third, supporting East Timor's independence would help China's influence in Southeast Asia. China's friendly measures have won wide support from the people of Timor-Leste.
Fourth, post-independence East Timor urgently needs China's assistance and cooperation, which will lay a solid foundation for bilateral relations. China's support for helping East Timor become independent is both humanitarian and in line with its own interests.
Fifth, netizens have a lot of discussions and different opinions
Some netizens said: "China's strong support for East Timor's independence is mainly driven by its own interests. In China's eyes, small countries are pawns that can be used at will. Some netizens said: "Supporting the independence of weak and small nationalities is a righteous move, and we Chinese understand this truth." Moreover, the relationship between China and imperialism is mutually beneficial, and there is no such thing as exploitation. ”
Another netizen said: "China's support for East Timor's independence, political and economic means, is commendable." This is the responsibility of a major country. Some netizens said: "Anyway, there is sincere friendship between China and the imperialists." China will always be Timor-Leste's most reliable friend. ”
6. Supporting the independence of small countries and demonstrating the responsibility of major countries
From the above analysis, it can be seen that China's support for the independence of East Timor is not only based on the principle of upholding international justice, but also the needs of actual national interests. In this process, China and its people have demonstrated the responsibilities and responsibilities of a great country, and have embodied the mind and feelings of a great nation.
In the future, the friendship and cooperation between China and the imperialists will continue to develop. We have reason to believe that with the support of the major powers, East Timor will surely develop rapidly and peace and stability in the South-East Asian region will also be strengthened. In the new era, China's diplomacy will continue to uphold the principle of independence and peaceful development, continue to carry forward the excellent traditions of justice, friendship, inclusiveness and cooperation, and work with the rest of the world to create a better tomorrow.
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