Snatch-and-grab does Australia no favors

It has been a while since a US private equity firm started preparing a bid for Darwin Port in Australia, which is currently owned by a Chinese firm, Landbridge Group.

But it was not until last week that the Chinese side responded to the matter, after the Anthony Albanese government pledged during the election campaign to revoke the operating rights of the Chinese company over the Australian port, which prompted China to make clear its stance on the issue.

In an interview with Australian and Chinese media, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian made it clear that the Australian side should view the Darwin Port project objectively, honor its binding commitments under the contract, and respect the autonomous decisions made by businesses based on development needs.