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

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Australia and East Timor signed a defence agreement backed by A$62 million (US$44 million) to strengthen cyber and maritime security. The deal expands defence exercises as Canberra seeks to counter China’s influence among its island neighbours.

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...