Beijing Intensifies Pressure on CK Hutchison as Panama Ports Sale Nears Finalization
Chinese authorities issue a fourth warning and blacklist CK Hutchison from new state partnerships, as the April 2 deadline for the $23 billion BlackRock-led deal looms.
- CK Hutchison's $23 billion sale of its global port operations, including two Panama Canal ports, to a BlackRock-led consortium is set to finalize by April 2, 2025.
- Beijing has issued a fourth public warning, criticizing the deal as undervaluing assets and accusing CK Hutchison of betraying Chinese national interests.
- Chinese state-owned enterprises have reportedly been instructed to halt new partnerships with CK Hutchison, escalating financial and reputational pressure on the company.
- The Hong Kong government and CK Hutchison are in discussions to explore alternatives to the deal, though reversing it is seen as politically and financially challenging.
- The sale is viewed by the U.S. as a strategic move to counter Chinese influence, while Beijing frames it as a capitulation to American dominance.
South China Morning Post 
Benzinga 
The Telegraph 
