Australia ‘Disappointed’ by Chinese Owner’s Resistance to Forced Port Sale

This picture taken on August 28, 2023 shows a sign displayed at the entrance to the Darwin Port in the Northern Territory city of Darwin. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)
This picture taken on August 28, 2023 shows a sign displayed at the entrance to the Darwin Port in the Northern Territory city of Darwin. Photo / DAVID GRAY / AFP

Australia’s defense minister Richard Marles said Thursday that Canberra was “disappointed” the Chinese leaseholder of the strategic Darwin Port was challenging efforts to return it to local ownership.

Private Chinese company Landbridge acquired a 99-year lease to Darwin Port in 2015, prompting criticism of Australia from then-U.S. president Barack Obama.

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by Agence France-Presse

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