With Port of Darwin, Australia hopes to avoid a repeat of Panama Canal

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces a delicate diplomatic challenge as he strives to regain control of the strategic Port of Darwin from Landbridge Group without straining relations with his largest trading partner. The Australian government had awarded a 99-year lease for the port in 2015, sparking criticism from political leaders and prompting U.S.-China tensions over the Panama Canal deal. As the election approaches, Albanese must balance restoring control of this vital asset while preserving ties that are increasingly under pressure from both nations.