Australia Expresses Opposition to Chinese Ownership of Darwin Port
Australian Deputy Prime Minister reaffirms government stance against Chinese control amid rising scrutiny.
Richard Marles, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, has reiterated the Australian government's long-standing opposition to Chinese ownership of the Darwin Port.
In an interview with Bloomberg television on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Marles stated that the government does not feel pressured by the Trump administration to find a new buyer for the facility, which is under increasing scrutiny in Canberra.
Marles, who also holds the position of Minister for Defence, emphasized, "We do not think it is appropriate for this infrastructure to be in the hands of a Chinese entity controlled by the Chinese government." He further noted that discussions are underway to explore a better ownership structure for the port.
The Darwin Port, strategically located in northern Australia, was leased to a Chinese company in 2015 for 99 years, a move that has raised concerns among political leaders in Australia regarding national security and foreign influence.
In an interview with Bloomberg television on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Marles stated that the government does not feel pressured by the Trump administration to find a new buyer for the facility, which is under increasing scrutiny in Canberra.
Marles, who also holds the position of Minister for Defence, emphasized, "We do not think it is appropriate for this infrastructure to be in the hands of a Chinese entity controlled by the Chinese government." He further noted that discussions are underway to explore a better ownership structure for the port.
The Darwin Port, strategically located in northern Australia, was leased to a Chinese company in 2015 for 99 years, a move that has raised concerns among political leaders in Australia regarding national security and foreign influence.
