The 1858-founded Williamstown shipyard in Victoria, which built all ten ANZAC-class frigates and worked on navy helicopter docks, is being sold by BAE Systems Australia to EMKC³, partly owned by Hong Kong-based EMKC Group, for up to A$200 million without Foreign Investment Review Board review.
Critics warn of national security risks from Hong Kong’s laws potentially exposing sensitive naval knowledge to Chinese intelligence, especially as the buyer plans mixed redevelopment while keeping some marine uses.
The timing, just before the AUKUS Public Inquiry releases findings on November 4, has intensified fears of eroding sovereignty amid regional tensions and past asset sales.
