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China has warned Australia against reclaiming control of the Port of Darwin, saying it could take measures to protect the Chinese company that runs the facility if the lease is forcibly changed.<\/p>\n
The warning came from China\u2019s Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, during his annual New Year media briefing.<\/p>\n
Reports said he criticised Australia\u2019s plan, questioning why the government wanted to take back the port only after it became profitable under Chinese management. Xiao reportedly added that Beijing would protect Landbridge\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n
Landbridge Group, owned by Chinese businessman Ye Cheng, has operated the Port of Darwin since 2015 under a 99-year lease worth A$506 million. The deal was intended to expand the port and boost the economy of Australia\u2019s Northern Territory.<\/p>\n
The port issue resurfaced during Australia\u2019s 2025 federal elections, when both major parties promised to return the facility to Australian control.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later reaffirmed that the port should be managed by an Australian company or the government, citing national interest. He repeated this position during a visit to East Timor this week.<\/p>\n
According to reports, Landbridge turned the port\u2019s losses of A$37 million into a profit of A$9.6 million last year, and Xiao questioned why Australia wanted to take it back only after it became profitable.<\/p>\n
Darwin Port, on Australia\u2019s northern coast, is strategically important. While relatively small, it has been used by the US military for regional operations.<\/p>\n
The Chinese lease of the port had previously drawn criticism from the United States, with former President Barack Obama expressing concern.<\/p>\n
Australian government reviews, including one led by Prime Minister Albanese, reportedly found no legal or security reason to cancel or change the lease.<\/p>\n
However, authorities said Landbridge had not completed some promised investments and had financial problems in other projects.<\/p>\n
Per media reports, commercial talks about the port and its lease are ongoing, but no final decision has been made.<\/p>\n
China remains Australia\u2019s largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth A$218 billion in 2024\u201325. While relations have improved in recent years, disagreements over security and foreign investment continue, keeping Darwin Port in the spotlight.<\/p>\n