Australian Prime Minister's Visit to China Imminent, May Discuss Darwin Port Issue
Australian Prime Minister Albanese will visit China next week, according to insiders from the South China Morning Post, who said that the issue of the Darwin Port leased to the Chinese company Lianqiao Group for a 99-year term ten years ago may be discussed.
Prime Minister Albanese is expected to arrive in Beijing on July 15, marking his second visit to China since taking office. He aims to show "friendly gestures," maintain positive development of bilateral relations, and attend the China International Supply Chain Expo held in Beijing. The expo, which has been held annually in Beijing since 2023, will take place from July 16 to 20 this year.
Insiders from the South China Morning Post revealed that in addition to bilateral trade issues, he will also discuss Chinese investment and the Darwin Port matter.
Analysts say this will make dialogue between Canberra and Beijing difficult, as Beijing has remained highly vigilant about overseas assets after the US took actions against Chinese ports in the Panama Canal.
Albanese, who won re-election in May, stated during the campaign that his government would work to bring the Darwin Port back "into Australian hands" for national security reasons, and it is not ruled out to buy it back from the Chinese owner.
Subsequently, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian responded that Canberra's consideration of reclaiming the port due to its strategic significance was "morally inappropriate."
Chinese company Lianqiao obtained a 99-year lease for the Darwin Port located in northern Australia in 2015.
Data from the Council on Foreign Relations think tank shows that entities related to the Chinese government have invested in 129 port projects globally, with 17 projects holding majority ownership and having at least one port in every continent except Antarctica.
Sources: rfi
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837010248151363/
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