Timor-Leste advocates for a more inclusive global security order at the Xiangshan Forum
Fri. 03 of Outubro of 2025, 08:47h
Timor-Leste called for the establishment of a more equitable and inclusive international security system capable of responding to emerging global threats. The appeal was made by Minister of Defense, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, on September 17, 2025, during the opening plenary session of the 12th Xiangshan Forum, one of Asia's most important meetings on defense and security.
“The Forum is an essential space for strategic dialogue and confidence building between nations, regardless of their size or power,” said the Minister, emphasizing that international cooperation is now more urgent than ever.
Organized annually by the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Xiangshan Forum brings together defense ministers, academics, and representatives of international organizations to discuss major global security challenges. This year’s theme focused on building a “fairer and more equitable” global security governance system.
Timor-Leste's participation takes place amid rising international tension, while globalization bringing economies and societies closer together but also exposing collective vulnerabilities. “Today's threats—from terrorism to climate change, pandemics to cybersecurity—know no borders. They require collective solutions but face fragmented responses,” Minister Donaciano stated.
In his speech, the Minister identified three main causes of the failures of current global governance: structural inequalities that marginalize small and developing nations; the selective application of international norms, used conveniently; and insufficient responses to new threats, often treated as secondary.
“When states put their immediate interests above the common good, collective security weakens and people become more vulnerable,” he warned.
The Minister recalled that Timor-Leste was born out of a long struggle for self-determination and learned, through its own history, that lasting peace requires reconciliation, inclusion, and respect for human dignity.
“We are a young state, but we firmly believe that even small nations can play a significant role in building a more just and equitable international order,” he affirmed.
The Minister also highlighted the participation of the Timorese Defense Forces in United Nations missions and bilateral peacekeeping operations, underscoring that international solidarity is also built through modest but consistent contributions.
The representative of Timor-Leste advocated a comprehensive concept of security, which includes not only the prevention of armed conflict, but also invisible and cross-cutting threats. Among Timor-Leste's priorities, he highlighted maritime security—vital for an island state dependent on the sea—climate resilience, food security, global health, and cybersecurity, factors directly linked to social stability.
“A security governance system must safeguard not only borders, but above all the lives of people and the future of the planet,” he said.
The visit to Beijing also included bilateral contacts. The Timorese delegation visited the 3rd Division of the Guard, where it attended a military parade and was received by Colonel Li Yanqin, in a symbolic gesture of growing frienship between the two countries. The official invitation came from the Chinese Embassy in Dili, which highlighted the importance of Timor-Leste's participation and provided support for the delegation's preparations.
At the end of his speech, the Minister of Defense left a message of hope and commitment: “Timor-Leste believes in peace because it achieved it through sacrifice; it believes in reconciliation because it experienced it within its own society; and it believes in cooperation because it knows that we cannot go far alone.”
He concluded by assuring that the country will continue to invest in its Defense Forces, not only as an instrument of national protection, but also in support of peace, international cooperation, and human development.
Timor-Leste called for the establishment of a more equitable and inclusive international security system capable of responding to emerging global threats. The appeal was made by Minister of Defense, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, on September 17, 2025, during the opening plenary session of the 12th Xiangshan Forum, one of Asia's most important meetings on defense and security.
“The Forum is an essential space for strategic dialogue and confidence building between nations, regardless of their size or power,” said the Minister, emphasizing that international cooperation is now more urgent than ever.
Organized annually by the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Xiangshan Forum brings together defense ministers, academics, and representatives of international organizations to discuss major global security challenges. This year’s theme focused on building a “fairer and more equitable” global security governance system.
Timor-Leste's participation takes place amid rising international tension, while globalization bringing economies and societies closer together but also exposing collective vulnerabilities. “Today's threats—from terrorism to climate change, pandemics to cybersecurity—know no borders. They require collective solutions but face fragmented responses,” Minister Donaciano stated.
In his speech, the Minister identified three main causes of the failures of current global governance: structural inequalities that marginalize small and developing nations; the selective application of international norms, used conveniently; and insufficient responses to new threats, often treated as secondary.
“When states put their immediate interests above the common good, collective security weakens and people become more vulnerable,” he warned.
The Minister recalled that Timor-Leste was born out of a long struggle for self-determination and learned, through its own history, that lasting peace requires reconciliation, inclusion, and respect for human dignity.
“We are a young state, but we firmly believe that even small nations can play a significant role in building a more just and equitable international order,” he affirmed.
The Minister also highlighted the participation of the Timorese Defense Forces in United Nations missions and bilateral peacekeeping operations, underscoring that international solidarity is also built through modest but consistent contributions.
The representative of Timor-Leste advocated a comprehensive concept of security, which includes not only the prevention of armed conflict, but also invisible and cross-cutting threats. Among Timor-Leste's priorities, he highlighted maritime security—vital for an island state dependent on the sea—climate resilience, food security, global health, and cybersecurity, factors directly linked to social stability.
“A security governance system must safeguard not only borders, but above all the lives of people and the future of the planet,” he said.
The visit to Beijing also included bilateral contacts. The Timorese delegation visited the 3rd Division of the Guard, where it attended a military parade and was received by Colonel Li Yanqin, in a symbolic gesture of growing frienship between the two countries. The official invitation came from the Chinese Embassy in Dili, which highlighted the importance of Timor-Leste's participation and provided support for the delegation's preparations.
At the end of his speech, the Minister of Defense left a message of hope and commitment: “Timor-Leste believes in peace because it achieved it through sacrifice; it believes in reconciliation because it experienced it within its own society; and it believes in cooperation because it knows that we cannot go far alone.”
He concluded by assuring that the country will continue to invest in its Defense Forces, not only as an instrument of national protection, but also in support of peace, international cooperation, and human development.
