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Timor-Leste's Xanana Gusmão International Airport, opened in 2017 at a cost of $120 million, is largely unused, serving mainly medical evacuations. Nearby, a $550 million highway built by a Chinese consortium is also underutilized, with frequent sinkholes.

Both infrastructures were developed for the Greater Sunrise oil and gas project, which has yet to be realized. The Timor government, owning more than half of the project, resists piping gas to Australia, citing resource nationalism.

Current options include negotiating with Australia or pursuing Chinese investment. Future LNG production is anticipated between 2032-2035.