“I came away extremely concerned about the language used by some countries, but above all by the United States regarding relations with China,” Ramos-Horta told journalists at Dili International Airport after returning earlier than planned from Singapore, where the meeting took place.
“Instead of seeking a more conciliatory language, one of serenity and dialogue, the speech by the Secretary of State for Defence [Pete Hegseth] mentioned China 20 times. Many countries are uncomfortable with this,” he said.
During his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Pete Hegseth accused China of preparing “clearly and credibly to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power” in the Asia-Pacific region.
Hegseth also denounced the growing number of incidents involving Chinese ships in the South China Sea, accusing Beijing of “illegally seizing and militarising” islands and islets claimed by the Philippines, among others.
Citing historical arguments, Beijing claims almost all of the islets in the South China Sea, contesting in particular the findings of an international arbitration tribunal that its claims have no legal basis.
China warned the United States today that it “should not play with fire” over Taiwan and also accused the Americans of turning the region into a “powder keg” by placing weapons in the South China Sea.
Citing historical arguments, Beijing claims almost all of the islets in the South China Sea, contesting in particular the findings of an international arbitration tribunal that its claims have no legal basis. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
Still on that subject, José Ramos-Horta pointed out that the US Secretary of State is following his President’s policy, but stressed that Donald Trump does not want war and wants to resolve the issues of Palestine and Ukraine.
In his speech on Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Timorese president warned that “weapons are spreading too quickly across the countries of Asia-Pacific, creating various dangers for the region.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said that Timor-Leste is observing this development with “growing concern” and called on countries to collaborate and engage in dialogue on security.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Ramos-Horta also said he had received an invitation to attend the International Conference for the Two-State Solution in the Middle East, to be held this month in New York.
It is a very important meeting to discuss the two states, Palestine and Israel. The environment is not at all favourable for this forum, as far as we can see. Still, I congratulate the Secretary-General [of the UN, António Guterres] who, in partnership with Saudi Arabia and other countries, decided to hold this summit,” he said.
The Timorese president stated that his early return from Singapore, which was not scheduled until Wednesday, was specifically to hold consultations with the Timorese authorities to draft a brief document outlining the country’s position. Timor-Leste supports the two-state solution.
“A position that the international community has held for 30 or 40 years, with the creation of a Palestinian state living peacefully within the 1967 borders and Israel, with its full right to live without threats to its existence, so that the Israeli people can live in peace,” he said.
The International Conference for the Two-State Solution in the Middle East (Israel and Palestine) will take place from 17 to 20 June at the United Nations headquarters in New York. France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair it.
Platform with Lusa
