Overview

• 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.