When Anthony Albanese’s integrity as a regional leader and caretaker of Australia’s national security was on the line during the Federal Election, he went all hot and heavy into the debate about rescuing the Port of Darwin from Chinese influence.

Oh yes, Labor were our promised saviours and the Liberal Party were the foolish people who created the mess (which happens to be true).

This inconvenient reality made it difficult for Peter Dutton to gain traction on the Port of Darwin, aside from drawing level with Albanese, and the topic soon faded out of view to be replaced by outrageous vote-buying pledges that weaponised the university class into a red wall.

With the election safely behind Labor, and Albanese sitting on a majority so powerful no one can force him to see sense on anything, the Port of Darwin awaits its promised rescue.

So far, Albanese hasn’t said a word.

He is off on a victory tour to Indonesia, shaking hands and posing for the adoring press. No doubt he will make expensive promises, feathering his international popularity with our money. Every time a Prime Minister goes to Asia, our Treasury takes a hit.

The last time Albanese mentioned the Port of Darwin was back in April. Why has he fallen silent?

It probably has something to do with Labor’s fascination with China. Communism is the final form of Labor’s careful socialism. Labor is frightened of China’s aggressive military, envious of their political power, and greedy for the money China has used to debt-trap nations around the world.

Honouring his promise to reclaim the Port of Darwin means upsetting Xi Jinping, and it is likely Albanese will spend his entire leadership ignoring his promise to the Australian people.

What’s more important, Australia’s valuable deep water port, or keeping China happy?

Xi Jinping is already putting pressure on Albanese, congratulating him on his election victory and nudging him to ‘promote world peace and stability’.

This is more like a ‘world in pieces’ with the way China is antagonising its Asian neighbours.

If China was interested in working with Australia, they would honour the wishes of the Australian people and hand back the port without protest or complaint. A refusal to do so reveals China’s intentions as domination rather than co-operation.

The test of Australia’s relationship with China and Albanese’s ability to lead Australia as an independent Pacific entity rather than a fearful slave to China’s temper tantrums will be the Port of Darwin.

If Albanese buries or delays his promise, then our country is in significant danger under the Labor leadership.

For surely, a Prime Minister that cannot take control of a domestic port is a Prime Minister that has no control over the destiny of Australia.

Flat White is written by Alexandra Marshall. If you would like to support her work, shout her a coffee over at donor-box.