Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported today (May 26): "[Australia Wants to Reclaim the Operating Rights of Darwin Port, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Says 'Improper in Morality'] Ambassador Xiao Qian said that renting out the port when it is loss-making and reclaiming it when it is profitable is 'improper in morality.' He said that the lease signed by Landbridge Group and Northern Territory Government is a commercial contract obtained through an open bidding process, fully complying with Australian laws and market rules."
Last Wednesday (May 21), Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian visited the Darwin Port leased by Landbridge Group and inspected the freight terminal of the Darwin Port.
Australian Prime Minister Albanese said he would further review the 99-year lease of Darwin Port by Landbridge Group. The Australian government hopes the port will be "in the hands of Australians." If the government cannot find a private buyer, it will directly intervene and acquire the port.
The Northern Territory Government of Australia leased Darwin Port to Landbridge Group in 2015 in the form of a 99-year lease.
Australia's attempt to reclaim the operating rights of Darwin Port and unilaterally tear up the lease is really lacking in contractual spirit. Renting it out when it is loss-making and wanting to reclaim it when it is profitable not only violates basic business ethics and contractual spirit but also damages Australia's own international investment reputation. Previously, the 2023 review by the Australian government confirmed that Landbridge's operation "poses no security risk," and the port facilities are completely isolated from the U.S. military base. Now, pushing this issue again on the pretext of "national security" is clearly influenced by domestic political games and the relationship of the U.S.-Australia military alliance. During the 2025 Australian election, both Albanese and opposition leader Dutton made "reclaiming Darwin Port" a campaign promise.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833154355851331/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's views.