According to the WeChat official account of the Chinese Embassy in Australia, on May 22nd, Ambassador Xiao Qian accepted interviews from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Xinhua News Agency, and Phoenix Satellite TV in Darwin, the capital of Northern Territory, answering questions regarding the Darwin Port issue.

Question: The Albanese government promised during the Australian election campaign to reclaim the operating rights of the Darwin Port managed by China's Landbridge Group. What is the Chinese side's view on this behavior of the Australian government and its potential impact on bilateral relations?

Ambassador Xiao stated that the Chinese side has always maintained communication with the federal and territorial governments through diplomatic channels. I would like to emphasize the following points:

First, ten years ago, the lease agreement for the Darwin Port signed between the Landbridge Group and the Northern Territory Government was obtained through a public bidding process, fully complying with Australian laws and market rules.

Second, over the past decade, the Landbridge Group has made significant investments in maintaining and building port infrastructure, optimizing operations and management, and expanding customer resources, bringing about notable changes to the port. It has helped turn the port's operational performance around, contributing positively to the local socio-economic development. Such enterprises and projects should be encouraged rather than penalized. It is morally inappropriate to lease out the port when it is losing money and reclaim it when it becomes profitable.

Third, the relevant lease agreement is a commercial contract. We hope the Australian side can objectively view the Darwin Port project, earnestly fulfill their solemn commitments to the contract, and respect the autonomous decisions made by enterprises based on developmental needs.

Fourth, China and Australia are comprehensive strategic partners, and both sides should trust each other. Mutual benefits and cooperation serve the common interests of both parties. We hope the federal and territorial governments of Australia can create a fair, transparent, and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises to survive and develop in Australia.

The Darwin Port is located in Darwin, an important port city in northern Australia, and serves as the capital of the Northern Territory. According to "The Sydney Morning Herald," in 2015, the Northern Territory Government of Australia signed a lease agreement worth 506 million Australian dollars with the Landbridge Group of China, with a lease term of 99 years. This agreement granted full control of port operations to this Chinese enterprise and an 80% ownership of the land and equipment at the East Arm Port during the lease period.

On April 7th this year, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference. A reporter from Agence France-Presse asked: The Australian Prime Minister Albanese and his election rival Dutton both called for the sale of the Darwin Port controlled by a Chinese enterprise to end China's ownership. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment on this?

Lin Jian: We urge the Australian side to provide a fair, non-discriminatory, and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in Australia. Do not generalize national security concepts or politicize normal commercial cooperation.

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Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508375344869622309/

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