PM Confirms Talks Underway to End 99-Year Chinese Lease of Darwin Port

Ahead of polls, both major parties have vowed to bring Darwin Port back under Australian control, ending decade-long Chinese lease with Landbridge.

A general view of the access entry to the Port of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory on April 8, 2025. The 99-year lease of Darwin Port to China's Landbridge Group has become a contentious issue in the Australian federal election. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Among the flurry of promises in the lead-up to the federal election, a key bipartisan pledge has emerged, regaining control of the Port of Darwin.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that discussions were already underway.