From July 19 to 21, 2023, Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong visited Timor-Leste. During his visit, Nong Rong met with Timor-Leste's President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas, and co-chaired the first China-Timor-Leste diplomatic consultation with Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Milena Maria da Costa Rangel. Chargé d'affaires a.i. Xu Danyang of the Chinese Embassy in Timor-Leste attended relevant events.

Nong Rong said that China was the first to recognize Timor-Leste's independence and establish diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste, and China-Timor-Leste relations have maintained a sound momentum of growth. Noting that the new government of Timor-Leste was just established, Nong Rong said that China is ready to work with Timor-Leste to strengthen high-level exchanges, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand practical cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, fishery, oil and gas, among other fields, and carry out more "small yet smart" livelihood projects that bring tangible benefits in Timor-Leste. China will also provide more training opportunities for Timor-Leste, help the new government of Timor-Leste smoothly exercise governance, and upgrade China-Timor-Leste relations.

China is ready to provide support and assistance in capacity-building and other aspects for Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN. Timor-Leste is welcome to continue to actively participate in the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. China is ready to work with Timor-Leste to strengthen communication and coordination in international affairs and jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.

Timor-Leste said that China is a true friend of Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste attaches great importance to its relations with China, and appreciates the valuable assistance China has provided for Timor-Leste's national development over the years. Timor-Leste is willing to work with China to strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and bring bilateral relations to a new level. Timor-Leste firmly pursues the one-China principle, and will never waver or change. Timor-Leste thanked China for supporting its accession to ASEAN, saying that it is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with China.