Media: Chinese owner of Darwin Port submits case to international arbitration, Australia expresses 'disappointment'

Australian Defense Minister Marles said on Thursday that Canberra is "disappointed" by the Chinese lessee of the strategically vital Darwin Port obstructing its return to Australia.

In 2015, China's private enterprise Lanyou Group secured a 99-year lease on Darwin Port, a move that drew criticism from then-U.S. President Obama toward Australia.

Australia's current Prime Minister Albanese pledged last year: "We are committed to returning this northern port to Australian hands, as it aligns with our national interests."

Currently, the United States is expanding its military base across the sea from Darwin Port, which hosts 2,000 U.S. Marines annually and has been upgraded with runways capable of accommodating U.S. bombers.

In April this year, Ye Cheng, chairman and billionaire of China’s Lanyou Group, filed a complaint with the World Bank’s Investment Dispute Tribunal, accusing Australia of pressuring his company to sell the port, claiming this violates free trade agreements and constitutes discriminatory practices.

Speaking during a visit to Darwin today, Australian Defense Minister Marles told reporters: "We are committed to returning Darwin Port to Australia. We are disappointed by the decision to take this matter to an international tribunal, and we will do everything within our power to respond to this case."

Minister Marles also noted that the U.S. military is committed to "expanding operations at the Darwin Port."

Darwin is Australia’s closest port to Asia, and commodities such as iron ore and liquefied natural gas sold to China form the backbone of bilateral trade.

In January this year, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian warned that if Lanyou Group is forced to vacate Darwin Port, it could have broader implications for trade and investment between China and Australia.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865851898175491/

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