Primary Taiwanese news agency Central News Agency (CNA) recently reported that tensions between Australia and China have escalated again. China threatened that if the Australian government forcibly reclaims the Port of Darwin, leased by Chinese companies, the Chinese government has an obligation to take measures to protect the interests of Chinese companies. This move will also affect investment, trade, and cooperation between the two countries.
In October 2015, the Northern Territory government of Australia signed an agreement with the China Landbridge Group to lease the Darwin Port terminal and surrounding facilities to the group for 99 years Since then, this agreement has been the subject of ongoing controversy. Darwin Port is a strategically important location, and both the Australian parties advocated for its return during last year’s general election.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in Darwin that selling the Port of Darwin is not in Australia’s national interest. Commercial negotiations are currently underway. In response, Chinese Ambassador to Australia warned that the Albanese government’s plan to take back the Port of Darwin from China would jeopardize future bilateral trade and force Beijing to intervene.
China is Australia’s largest bilateral trading partner, accounting for 24 percent of Australia’s total trade in goods and services in the last fiscal year.
Source: CNA, January 28, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202601280300.aspx