Darwin, Australia at centre of strategic tussle between US and China
- United States plans to build military facility in the Northern Territory capital once it’s approved by Congress, according to Australian defence minister
- Its port was leased to Chinese company Landbridge Group in 2015 under a controversial 99-year deal
The United States’ US$211.5 million plan to expand its military infrastructure in Australia reflects the nation’s growing strategic importance amid increasing rivalry between the US and China, according to analysts.
The assessment came after Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne on Tuesday said the US planned to build an additional military facility in Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, once it gets approved by the US Congress.
Payne did not give details of the new infrastructure, but according to earlier Australian media reports, the US plans to build a port facility that could accommodate large amphibious warships such as Australia’s landing helicopter docks and American vessels such as the USS Wasp, strengthening the US military presence in the country.
Under the agreement, Landbridge – controlled by Chinese billionaire Ye Cheng, who is based in Shandong province – took an 80 per cent stake in the port. The company also owns oil and gas assets in Australia.