China warns Australia against taking back control of key port in Darwin

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by John PowerJanuary 29, 2026 at 06:20 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In January 2026, China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, warned against Canberra's potential move to reclaim control of Port Darwin. Landbridge Group, a Chinese-owned company, has held a 99-year lease on the port since 2015. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to return the port to Australian control, citing national interest. Xiao criticized this as unethical and stated Beijing would "take measures" to protect Landbridge's interests if Australia alters the lease agreement. Albanese reiterated his intention to return the port to Australian control. The original lease agreement was intended to revitalize the economy of Australia's Northern Territory.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Anthony Albanese 30% Ye Cheng 40% Xiao Qian ×250% Darwin 50% Landbridge Group ×260% Australia ×260% China ×270%

Keywords

port darwin 100% china-australia relations 90% lease agreement 80% chinese investment 70% strategic significance 60% national interest 60% landbridge group 50% economic revitalisation 50% trade surplus 40%