East Timor Joins ASEAN in First Expansion Since 1990s
East Timor’s prime minister, Xanana Gusmao, expressed his nation’s elation upon joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. This milestone marks ASEAN’s first expansion since the 1990s and represents over ten years of efforts for East Timor to gain membership.
Significance of East Timor’s ASEAN Membership
Gusmao described the event as a culmination of resilience, determination, and hope for the people of East Timor, also known as Timor Leste. He stated, “Today, history is made,” as the nation’s flag joined those of the other ten member states.
ASEAN membership provides East Timor access to an economic community encompassing around 680 million people and a combined GDP of $3.8 trillion. This integration is particularly significant for East Timor, which has a GDP of approximately $2 billion and faces substantial economic challenges.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
With a population of 1.4 million, East Timor is the youngest and one of the poorest nations in the region. Currently, 42% of its population lives below the national poverty line, and high levels of unemployment and malnutrition pose significant issues. The nation’s leaders are focusing on youth job creation, as nearly two-thirds of its citizens are under 30 years old.
East Timor’s government primarily relies on the oil and gas sector for revenue. However, with these resources rapidly depleting, there is an urgent need for economic diversification. Gusmao emphasized the immense opportunities in trade, investment, education, and the digital economy presented by ASEAN membership.
Regional and Global Engagement
The opening ceremony marked not only the inclusion of East Timor into ASEAN but also the commencement of ASEAN’s annual summit. Following the ceremony, discussions commenced involving key global partners, including China, Japan, India, Australia, Russia, South Korea, and the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump, attending the summit, participated in another significant diplomatic agreement involving Cambodia and Thailand, underlining the summit’s importance on a broader geopolitical scale. Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that East Timor’s accession completes the ASEAN family, affirming regional kinship and collective growth.
A Path Toward Inclusivity and Development
The integration of East Timor highlights ASEAN’s dedication to inclusivity and adaptability amid global challenges. Analysts like Angeline Tan from Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic & International Studies highlighted that this expansion showcases ASEAN’s commitment to regionalism. Joanne Lin from the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute pointed out that while East Timor faces several challenges regarding its administrative capacity, its presence will enhance discussions on youth empowerment and small-state diplomacy.
East Timor applied for ASEAN membership in 2011 and attained observer status in 2022. Gusmao articulated that this moment marks the start of a promising new chapter for the nation, encouraging collaboration and innovation to improve governance and achieve sustainable development.
