China’s ambassador hits out at Australia’s ‘questionable’ Darwin Port return plan
Xiao Qian says Landbridge Group, which has a 99-year lease, has made significant investments in the port and contributed to the local economy

Chinese company Landbridge Group was awarded a 99-year lease of the port in 2015, under a deal originally approved by the Northern Territory government, a move that was criticised by then US president Barack Obama.
Xiao Qian, China’s ambassador to Canberra, said Landbridge Group had made significant investments in maintaining and building the port and had contributed to the local economy.
“Such an enterprise and project deserves encouragement, not punishment. It is ethically questionable to lease the port when it was unprofitable and then seek to reclaim it once it becomes profitable,” Xiao said in an embassy statement on Sunday.
In an interview with various media groups, Xiao said the Landbridge Group had secured the lease through an open and transparent bidding process. He expressed hope that Australia would view the project “objectively”.
“China and Australia are comprehensive strategic partners. The two sides should foster mutual trust, as mutually beneficial cooperation aligns with our shared interests,” he said, urging the Australian government to create a fair, transparent and predictable business environment for Chinese companies in Australia.