On 31 August, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan sent letters respectively to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Jose Ramos-Horta, Cabinet Member for Foreign Affairs of the East Timor Transitional Administration, on the successful Constitute Assembly election in East Timor. Minister Tang congratulated East Timor on the success of the election and expressed his appreciation for the work by the United Nations and the Cabinet of the East Timor Transitional Administration. Minister Tang believed that the result of the election will further enhance peace and stability in East Timor, strengthen the unity of its people and lay down a solid foundation for the ultimate independence of East Timor, leading to the founding of a nation of peace, stability and prosperity. China is ready to work with the UN and the Cabinet of the East Timor Transitional Administration and contribute to the realization of a smooth independence and economic development of East Timor.

According to the decision of the UN East Timor Transitional Administration, the election of the 88 members to the Constitute Assembly was held in East Timor on 30 August.