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3mo ago

Australia Moves to Reclaim Darwin Port from Chinese Operator

Canberra is exploring bids from US private equity firm Cerberus to end Landbridge’s 99-year lease despite Chinese criticism.

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
Supply vessels for the offshore gas rigs sit at Darwin port in northern Australia, April 21, 2017. Picture taken April 21, 2017. REUTERS/Tom Westbrook/File Photo
: A general view of the access entry to the Port of Darwin on April 8, 2025, in Darwin, Australia.
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Overview

  • Canberra is negotiating with potential buyers including US private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management to restore Australian ownership of Darwin Port.
  • Cerberus representatives met this month with port management in Darwin but did not submit a formal bid for the lease.
  • Landbridge Group, which secured the 99-year lease in 2015, maintains that the port is not for sale and says it has received no government approach.
  • Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian described the plan as “ethically questionable” and urged Australia to honour its contractual commitments.
  • The port’s proximity to US Marine rotations and its role in defence cooperation have driven Canberra’s focus on regaining control for national security reasons.