Australia eyes control of key port, China deems move unethical
Australia plans to regain control over its northern port, which is currently leased by a Chinese company. Beijing warns Australia against any attempt to reclaim control of this port. "It's ethically questionable," the Chinese ambassador states.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to bring the Port of Darwin under Australian control. Bloomberg reports that he is considering buying it out by finding a new private owner or through direct intervention by the Commonwealth.
This declaration has caused a stir on the Chinese side, given that Landbridge obtained the 99-year lease in 2015. The agency reports that the Chinese ambassador in Australia has warned Canberra to exercise caution when negotiating a new lease agreement.
The Chinese embassy stated that the lease of the Darwin port was awarded following a competitive and transparent bidding procedure. It also pointed out that the company has invested heavily since acquiring the lease.
Such an enterprise and project deserves encouragement, not punishment. It is ethically questionable to lease the port when it was unprofitable and then seek to reclaim it once it becomes profitable, stated Ambassador Xiao Qian in a statement.
Key port
Darwin is Australia's northernmost port, located on the edge of Southeast Asia.
Importantly, it is located near a military training facility used by American marines. This is why handing it over to a Chinese company provoked criticism from then-U.S. President Barack Obama, Bloomberg recalls.
