Australia Decides Chinese Firm Can Keep Operating Strategic Port

Australia said it won’t cancel a Chinese company’s lease on a commercial port despite concerns that the firm’s operations pose a security risk at a strategic location in the north of the country.

The local unit of China’s Landbridge Group has been operating the port in Darwin after getting a lease in 2015. Some former Australian defense officials and analysts say the port—which has been used by U.S. troops to unload equipment for training exercises—is important because it’s near military installations that could be crucial in any regional conflict.