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Australia Advances Plan to Reclaim Darwin Port from Chinese Ownership

The Albanese government is meeting with potential buyers as China criticizes the move as 'ethically questionable.'

Machinery can be seen sitting at the Port of Darwin, located in the Northern Territory's capital city of Darwin in Australia, April 21, 2017. Picture taken April 21, 2017. REUTERS/Tom Westbrook/File Photo
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A Darwin Port sign.
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Overview

  • The Australian government is working to force the sale of the Darwin Port lease from Chinese-owned Landbridge Group, citing national security concerns.
  • China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has condemned the plan, stating it is unethical to reclaim the port after it became profitable under Chinese management.
  • Landbridge Group, which secured the 99-year lease in 2015, has invested significantly in the port, turning it from financial loss to profitability, and maintains that the port is not for sale.
  • Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling confirmed ongoing meetings with potential Australian buyers, although no timeline for the sale has been set.
  • The port, strategically located in northern Australia, is vital for hosting U.S. Marines and is central to Australia's strengthened defense ties with the United States.