3 days ago
Xi Jinping ‘clear' on Port of Darwin, Anthony Albanese says
Anthony Albanese says his election vow to return the Port of Darwin into Australian hands still stands as he gears up for his fourth official meeting with Xi Jinping.
Fronting reporters in Shanghai on Monday, Mr Albanese said his government 'had a very clear position' on the port's 99-year lease to a Chinese logistics giant and that he was 'sure' the Chinese President 'is very clear and is knowledgeable of that'.
Pressed on whether he was worried about 'blowback' foreshadowed by a former state media propagandist, Mr Albanese was quick to say 'no'.
'We had a very clear position that we want the port to go into Australian ownership,' he said.
'We've been clear about it, we've been orderly about it, and we will go through that process.'
He added that 'governments cannot respond in policy terms, to every time there's an article written or a tweet or a blog and change their position'.
'Good government has a position, advocates for it and implements it, and mine is a good government.'
Labor promised at the election to undo the Port of Darwin's lease to Landbridge Holdings.
It has not ruled out forcing a sale to break the deal, which was inked by the Turnbull-Coalition a decade ago.
Beijing has indicated it would bring up the touchy topic with Mr Albanese.
The Prime Minister has been bombarded by a Chinese charm offensive since landing in Shanghai over the weekend for his six-day state visit.
He has in turn done his bit to keep things positive and shed the spectre of a militaristic regional rivalry that looms large over the Australia-China relationship.
But thorny issues remain even as both sides spruik their economic offerings, including the Port of Darwin.
