Darwin Port June 8 2017

Well, could this represent an opportunity to reverse the appalling sale (or 99 year lease) of Darwin Port to Chinese company, Landbridge?

I see Landbridge is seeking a $500 million loan from the Chinese Government’s Export Import Bank to fund the construction of a business park in Darwin and prop up its Australian operations

Landbridge’s Australian ventures aren’t looking flash

In May, its other major Australian asset, resource company Westside, reported a $6.65 million loss

Landbridge also has to find $880,000 a year to pay former Trade Minister, Andrew Robb

According to reports today, Landbridge is looking to use Darwin Port as security for the proposed $500 million loan

But if it secures the loan, will struggling Landbridge be in a position to repay interest and principal?

Should Landbridge default on loan repayments the Northern Territory Government has confirmed it would have the right to resume control of Darwin Port

The Foreign Investment Review Board would also have the power to intervene

This sale of Darwin Port should never have been allowed in the first place

Landbridge has its own private militia and is run by a former Chinese People’s Liberation Army officer with close ties to the Communist Party

The deal horrified the US and was never subjected to Foreign Investment Review Board scrutiny because the port was a State Government asset

The Turnbull Government should be examining every opportunity to reverse this deal as a matter of urgency