Is Australia going to take back the Port of Darwin from the Chinese?
Australia is taking steps to potentially regain control of the Port of Darwin, which has been under a 99-year lease to the Chinese company Landbridge Group since 2015. The lease, which has faced increasing scrutiny over national security concerns, has sparked debates within the country.
In April 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the government is actively working on a plan to transfer control of the port to Australian interests. He emphasized that it is in Australia’s best interest to prevent such crucial infrastructure from remaining under foreign control. The government is particularly considering the possibility of having Australian superannuation funds take over the port.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also expressed concerns about foreign ownership, pledging that a future Coalition government would make moves to reclaim the port. He suggested banning foreign government-controlled entities from holding such leases and even proposed the idea of compulsory acquisition, with the potential to repurchase the port for around $1.3 billion. He aims to find an Australian operator within six months or proceed with the buyback if the transition is not possible.
The Port of Darwin holds significant strategic value due to its location as the closest port to Asia and its importance to Australia’s defense and trade infrastructure.
This situation has attracted attention from China, with officials urging Australia not to politicize the matter. They have called for a predictable and fair business environment for Chinese companies operating in the country.
Both major political parties in Australia are focused on ensuring that control of the port returns to Australian hands, with discussions and actions intensifying as national security concerns continue to grow.
