China has warned Australia that it will take action to defend the interests of its companies if the Australian government moves forward with plans to forcibly regain control of the strategic northern port of Darwin. The port, leased to China’s Landbridge Group in 2015 for a 99-year period, has become a point of contention, leading to increased scrutiny over infrastructure sales involving foreign ownership.
In an interview with Australian media on Wednesday, China’s Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, stated that Beijing considers the lease to be a legitimate business agreement and that any forced action to revoke it would prompt China to take protective measures for its company’s interests.
Prime Minister Albanese’s Promise
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously criticized the 2015 decision to lease the port to a Chinese company, citing concerns over national security and economic implications. Last year, he committed to bringing the port back under Australian control, emphasizing its strategic significance and the potential risks posed by foreign ownership.
“We are committed to making sure that that port goes back into Australian hands because that is in our national interest,” Albanese said on Wednesday during a visit to East Timor, reiterating his government’s stance on the issue.
Diplomatic Tensions and Strategic Interests
The port’s location in Darwin, closest to Australia’s Asian neighbors, has long made it a critical point of interest for both Australia and its allies, including the United States. At the time of the lease agreement, former US President Barack Obama reportedly expressed concerns that Washington was not consulted about Australia’s dealings with Landbridge, given the potential military and strategic implications.
China’s Ambassador Xiao also cautioned that any attempt to take back control of the port could have broader economic repercussions, affecting Chinese investments, trade, and cooperation with the Darwin region. “That is not in the interest of Australia either,” he warned, adding that the potential buyback could damage bilateral relations.
