China warned Australia in April 2025 not to politicise the Darwin Port lease held by Chinese company Landbridge.
Key Facts
- Port: Darwin Port
- Leaseholder: Landbridge, since 2015
- Lease length: 99 years
- Chinese spokesperson: Lin Jian
- Both major parties vowed to return it to Australian hands
What China Said
Lin Jian asked Australia to avoid “overusing national security concerns or politicising routine business activities”.
What the Parties Said
Peter Dutton said the 2015 lease was a mistake. Anthony Albanese said the government had worked “for some time” to return the port.
Update
In May 2026 the ABC reported Landbridge had started international legal action against a forced sale. The dispute was not settled at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the Darwin Port lease?
Chinese company Landbridge.
When was it leased?
In 2015.
Has it been sold back?
Not as of May 2026, reports said.
Conclusion
The port remains a big issue between the two countries.
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