German media: The US exerts pressure, and Australia considers reclaiming Darwin Port. China criticizes it as "morally inappropriate". Ten years ago, the northern Australian port of Darwin was leased to a Chinese-funded company for a 99-year lease. Due to the strategic significance of the location, Canberra is considering reclaiming it. In response, China has clearly expressed its position. Since last week, Ambassador Xiao Qian of China in Australia has stated in interviews with multiple Chinese and Australian media outlets that the Australian side rented out the Darwin port when it was loss-making and plans to reclaim it when it becomes profitable, which is "morally inappropriate." In 2015, Shandong岚Bridge Group signed a lease contract with the Northern Territory Government of Australia, obtaining the lease of the Darwin port in the north of the country for 99 years. Last month, Prime Minister Albanese of Australia, who was seeking re-election, criticized the previous conservative government of Australia for "selling off" the Darwin port to a company connected to China during his campaign. He stated that the Darwin port should be "in the hands of Australians," and vowed to regain control of this strategic asset. During the election campaign, both major political parties in Australia promised to immediately reclaim the Darwin port after winning the election. Even in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in April this year, Albanese said he hoped to find new private owners, but if necessary, the federal government was prepared to intervene directly. Last Wednesday, May 21, Ambassador Xiao Qian of China in Australia visited the Darwin Port to inspect the cargo terminal operated by岚Bridge. The next day, the ambassador accepted an interview and made the aforementioned remarks about being "morally inappropriate." He emphasized that the Canberra authorities should honor their contract with岚Bridge Group. According to the speech transcript published on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Australia at the weekend, Xiao Qian believed that over the past ten years,岚Bridge has invested heavily in the Darwin Port and made important contributions to the local economy. Such enterprises and projects should be encouraged rather than punished. He hopes that the Canberra government can "objectively" treat this project. Pressure from the United States on the Australian government The geographical location of the Darwin Port is close to Australia's Southeast Asian neighbors. Not far away, American marines conduct exercises at the military base for six months each year. Meanwhile, Australia itself is constructing military bases in the north, which will rotate to accommodate American bombers and fighter jets, aiming to strengthen defense cooperation with the United States. When the agreement to lease the Darwin Port was signed, former President Obama of the United States expressed dissatisfaction that Washington had not been informed of the transaction in advance. In 2020, Australia passed the Foreign Relations Act. According to this law, the federal government has the authority to veto agreements signed between state governments, territory governments, universities, and foreign entities based on national security considerations. In 2021, the Canberra government used this law to terminate the "Belt and Road Initiative" agreement signed between Victoria State and China. Source: DW Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833207311662089/ Disclaimer: This article represents only the author's personal views.