ASIA WATCH: Australia, China clash over Darwin port lease

DARWIN, Australia - A 99-year lease of the strategically important Port of Darwin to China's Landbridge Group has again become a source of tension in Australia, with the company launching international arbitration proceedings after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to return the facility to Australian control.

Albanese made the commitment during last year's federal election campaign amid security concerns surrounding the port in Australia's north. Landbridge, which opposes the move, turned to the World Bank-affiliated International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes in April this year.