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China Investigates CK Hutchison’s $19 Billion Panama Canal Ports Sale to BlackRock

The deal has intensified US-China tensions, with Beijing citing antitrust and national security concerns while Hong Kong calls for fair treatment of its enterprises.

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The entrance of the Balboa Port is pictured after Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd 0001.HK agreed to sell its interests in a key Panama Canal port operator to a BlackRock Inc-backed consortium, amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to curb China's influence in the region, in Panama City, Panama, March 4, 2025. REUTERS/Enea Lebrun/File Photo
A U.S. Coast Guard ship docks in a naval base along the Panama Canal in Panama City, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
CK Hutchison announced an expansive deal that would sell 43 ports in 23 countries and keep facilities in mainland China and Hong Kong.

Overview

  • CK Hutchison, owned by billionaire Li Ka-shing, is selling its Panama Canal ports and 43 other global ports to a BlackRock-led consortium for $19 billion.
  • China has launched investigations into the deal, citing potential antitrust and national security violations, expressing anger over CK Hutchison bypassing Beijing's approval.
  • The Panama Canal ports, located at critical Atlantic and Pacific endpoints, handle 3-5% of global maritime trade, highlighting their strategic importance.
  • US President Donald Trump sees the deal as a political win, aligning with his stance on reducing China's influence over the Panama Canal.
  • Hong Kong leader John Lee emphasized compliance with local laws and urged foreign governments to ensure fair treatment for Hong Kong businesses.