Beijing Warns It Will ‘Take Measures’ If Australia Axes 99-year Chinese Lease

Both major parties in Australia pledged to axe the Port of Darwin lease in the lead-up to the federal election.

This picture taken on Aug. 28, 2023 shows a sign displayed at the entrance to the Darwin Port in the Northern Territory city of Darwin. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Beijing has threatened Australia saying it will retaliate if the Albanese Labor government proceeds with a plan to take back control of the Port of Darwin.

Speaking to media in Canberra on Jan. 28, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said they were “watching closely” as the federal government considered whether to break the current 99-year lease to Chinese company Landbridge and resume control.