SYDNEY - Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian on Thursday expressed hope that Australia's federal and local governments can view the operation of Darwin port project in an objective manner and seriously fulfill their commitments in a lease agreement reached a decade ago.

The past decade has seen heavy investment from the Chinese company involved in the lease contract of the Darwin port as well as positive results in the port's operation, Xiao said.

The Chinese ambassador made the remarks when meeting reporters on the sidelines of the International Relations Conference of the 2025 Darwin Fusion, a two-day event held on Thursday and Friday in Darwin, capital of Australia's Northern Territory.

ALSO READ: Australia says won't cancel Chinese firm's lease of Darwin port

China has maintained communication with the Australian federal and local governments over the Darwin port through diplomatic channels, Xiao said.

In 2015, China's Landbridge Group signed a lease agreement on a 99-year operating right of the Darwin port with the then Northern Territory government. This agreement was reached in line with the outcome of public bidding and business rules and is in compliance with Australian laws, said Xiao.

The Chinese ambassador noted that over the past 10 years, Landbridge Group has invested tremendously in the Darwin port's infrastructure, operation and management, including client outreach, which has resulted in remarkable changes to the port, helping it turn losses into profits, and making positive contributions to the local socioeconomic development.

"For such projects and enterprises, encouragement should be given instead of punishment," Xiao said. "It's also very morally inappropriate to rent out the port when it is in the red and take it back once it is profitable."

China and Australia are comprehensive strategic partners and should have mutual trust, he said, adding that mutually beneficial cooperation is conducive to the fundamental interests of both sides.

READ MORE: Landbridge committed to Darwin Port

It is in the common interests of both countries for the Australian federal and local governments to continue to create a fair, transparent and predictable operating environment for Chinese businesses in Australia, the ambassador said.

At present, China-Australia relations are at a historical stage to draw strength from the past and start anew, Xiao said, adding that China looks forward to working with the new Australian government to push for a more mature, stable and fruitful China-Australia relationship.

During the Australian federal election campaigns last month, both the ruling and opposition parties claimed that they would reclaim the operating right of the Darwin port.

In response, Landbridge Group said the port will not be sold, lamenting that the port was used as a political bargaining chip in the election campaigns despite the company's notable contribution to local economy.