CK Hutchison May Seek Chinese Investor In Panama Port Deal

A Hong Kong conglomerate selling its ports at the Panama Canal said Monday it may seek a Chinese investor to join the consortium of buyers—potentially pleasing Beijing but raising concerns in Washington over the geopolitically sensitive transaction, Kanis Leung reported for the Associated Press (AP).

A Hutchison subsidiary has operated ports at both ends of the Panama Canal since 1997. I Photo: Hutchison Ports LinkedIn 

CK Hutchison Holdings’ original plan to sell its port assets in dozens of countries to a group that includes U.S. investment firm BlackRock Inc. had pleased President Donald Trump, who has accused China of interfering with the Panama Canal’s operations.

However, the move reportedly angered Beijing and triggered a review by China’s anti-monopoly authorities.

A Beijing-backed newspaper published sharp commentaries criticizing the deal, with one describing it as “a betrayal of all Chinese.” Chinese government offices overseeing Hong Kong affairs reposted some of those articles—an action widely viewed as reflecting official disapproval.

A Hutchison subsidiary has operated ports at both ends of the Panama Canal since 1997.

After months of uncertainty due to U.S.-China tensions, Hutchison said the exclusive negotiation period with the BlackRock-led consortium has expired, and it is now exploring alternative buyers, including potential Chinese partners.