Australia Moves to Reclaim Chinese-Leased Darwin Port Amid Security Fears

Both major Australian political parties have pledged to end the controversial 99-year lease of the Port of Darwin to a Chinese-owned company. Opposition leader Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have both committed to returning the port to Australian control, citing national security concerns. The lease, granted in 2015, has faced increasing scrutiny as tensions with China have grown. The bipartisan move comes ahead of upcoming elections, signaling a strong political consensus on the issue. The Chinese company currently holding the lease has pushed back against the proposed takeover.