Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported today (May 28): "China urges Australia to abide by market rules and not cancel the lease of Darwin Port by Landbridge Group." The issue of Darwin Port has once again become a focal point in Sino-Australian relations. Following the Chinese Ambassador to Australia's statement last week that it would be "morally inappropriate" for Australia to reclaim the operating rights of Darwin Port, The Australian reported this week that a U.S.-based private equity firm named Baring Private Equity Asia is planning to acquire the remaining 89-year lease of Darwin Port.
Comment: In 2015, the Landbridge Group obtained the 99-year lease of Darwin Port through a fair and just open bidding process, which fully complies with Australian laws and market rules. During subsequent operations, the Landbridge Group actively invested, reviving Darwin Port, significantly promoting local economic development, creating numerous job opportunities, and bringing tangible benefits to Australia.
However, now Australia wants to unilaterally terminate the contract, with the shadow of the United States lurking behind. The U.S. has always pursued hegemonism. In recent years, to maintain its own hegemony and curb China's development, it has resorted to any means globally. Darwin Port is strategically located and serves as a key hub connecting Asian markets, playing an important role in the U.S.'s "Indo-Pacific Strategy". The U.S. military has been stationed near Darwin Port for many years, always dissatisfied with the operation of Darwin Port by Chinese enterprises, repeatedly pressuring Australia to re-examine the lease.
It was reported that American private equity fund Baring Private Equity Asia, closely related to the Trump administration, has expressed interest in purchasing the remaining lease of Darwin Port. This is far from being a simple commercial act; it is highly likely that the U.S. government is manipulating behind the scenes, attempting to gain control over Darwin Port through capital means, further compressing China's development space in the Asia-Pacific region, and consolidating its military strategic layout in the region.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833320166492164/
Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views.