China Warns Panama Ports Deal Firms To "Proceed with Caution"

China has warned all parties involved in the sale of Panama Canal ports by Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison to exercise “caution,” citing potential legal consequences if they proceed without Beijing’s approval, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

CK Hutchison stated that “the transaction would never be carried out in any illegal or non-compliant manner.” I Photo: HUTCHISON PORTS MÉXICO

The deal, first announced in March, involves CK Hutchison selling most of its Panama port operations to a U.S.-led consortium after weeks of pressure from President Donald Trump.

Trump has refused to rule out military action to "take back" the strategic waterway—handed over to Panama in 1999—from what he calls Chinese influence.

Beijing has sharply criticized the proposed sale to a group led by asset management giant BlackRock and has launched an investigation to ensure the transaction complies with Chinese regulations.

Recently, CK Hutchison stated that “the transaction would never be carried out in any illegal or non-compliant manner.”

Asked about that statement, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said, “All parties to the transaction must not attempt to circumvent the review process in any way,” adding that no deal may move forward without prior clearance.

He warned of “legal liability” for any unauthorized implementation.