China will step in if Australia moves to regain control of Darwin Port, envoy says

Beijing has pledged to step in if Canberra commits to regaining control of a strategic port in northern Australia that is leased to a Chinese firm.Chinese ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said on Wednesday that Beijing “has the obligation to take measures” to protect the legitimate rights of Chinese companies overseas if the port of Darwin were taken back through a forced sale, according to Australian media reports.During last year’s successful re-election campaign, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Labor Party pledged to regain ownership of the port, which was leased in 2015 for 99 years to the Chinese Landbridge Group at A$506 million (US$351 million).“We’ll see when it’s time for us to say something, do something, to reflect the Chinese government’s position, and to reflect that we have a view and determination to protect our Chinese company’s legitimate interests,” Xiao said.The lease of Darwin Port to Landbridge Group, a Chinese company, has been a point of contention in otherwise improving relations between China and Australia. Photo: ReutersHe added the issue should be “properly managed” to show that Australia welcomed Chinese investment.