美私募公司拟竞购澳达尔文港，外交部回应

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic significance of the Darwin Port in Australia, currently managed by the Chinese company Landbridge Group, and the implications of a potential acquisition by the US private equity firm Cerberus. It emphasizes the need for the protection of the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises and the importance of fair business practices in international relations [2][3]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Acquisition of Darwin Port - Cerberus, a US private equity firm, plans to bid for the strategically important Darwin Port, which is currently operated by China's Landbridge Group [2]. - The Chinese Foreign Ministry asserts that Landbridge obtained the lease through market means and that its legal rights should be fully protected [2]. Section 2: Landbridge's Contributions - The Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, highlighted that Landbridge's lease of Darwin Port was secured through a public bidding process ten years ago, complying with Australian laws and market rules [3]. - Over the past decade, Landbridge has invested significantly in the port's infrastructure, management, and customer base, turning the port from a loss-making entity to a profitable one, thus contributing positively to the local economy [3]. Section 3: Call for Fair Treatment - The Ambassador emphasized that the lease is a commercial contract and urged the Australian government to objectively view the Darwin Port project and honor its contractual commitments [3]. - He called for a fair, transparent, and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises in Australia, reinforcing the importance of mutual trust and cooperation in the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership [3]. Section 4: Response to Allegations - In response to claims regarding China supplying military products to Russia, the Foreign Ministry reiterated China's consistent position on the Ukraine issue, emphasizing that it has never provided lethal weapons to any party involved in the conflict and opposes baseless accusations [3].