CK Hutchison's $22.8 Billion Panama Port Sale to BlackRock Sparks Backlash, Stock Drop

28 posts • Grok (Beta)

Updated Mar 14, 2025, 08:51 AM

CK Hutchison Holdings, a conglomerate owned by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, has faced significant backlash from Chinese authorities following its decision to sell 80% of its Hutchison Port Group, which includes 43 container ports across 23 countries, to a BlackRock-led consortium. The sale, announced earlier this month, encompassed a 90% stake in the Balboa and Cristobal docks at the Panama Canal and was described by CK Hutchison as purely commercial in nature. The criticism was amplified when the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office reposted a commentary from the state-backed newspaper Ta Kung Pao, which is owned by a subsidiary of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong. The commentary accused CK Hutchison of neglecting national interests and betraying Chinese people, urging the company to reconsider its stance in light of the geopolitical implications of the deal. The move has led to a sharp decline in CK Hutchison's stock prices, dropping over 6% in Hong Kong trading following the publication of the commentary. The deal has also been highlighted by US President Donald Trump as a victory in his efforts to address what he perceives as Chinese control over the Panama Canal. Amidst escalating US-China tensions, the sale of the ports, valued at $22.8 billion, has been seen by some as a strategic move by the US to gain influence over a critical global trade route. This transaction marks one of the largest acquisitions of the year.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

#CK Hutchison Holdings #Hong Kong #Chinese #Hutchison Port Group #BlackRock #Balboa #Cristobal #Panama Canal #CK Hutchison #Ta Kung Pao #Beijing #US #Donald Trump

Related Prediction Markets

Trump bans China from buying US farmland?

Mexico tariffs on China in effect before July?

Trump takes Panama Canal in 2025?

•

View market suggestions→

Sources

bloomberg.com(8)scmp.com(3)wsj.com(2)ft.com(2)

李老师不是你老师

@whyyoutouzhele

Li Ka-shing's Changhe Group announced on March 4 that it plans to sell business interests in two Panamanian ports to a consortium formed by BlackRock in the United States, and emphasized that “this deal is of a purely commercial nature.” The official website of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China reprinted a review article from the Hong Kong media, questioning that the sale of the Panama Canal Port by Changhe Group was not an “ordinary commercial act” and warned that companies should carefully choose “which side to stand on.” https://t.co/Zb5HIpbYu9

inmediahknet

@inmediahk

Beijing harshly criticized Li Ka-shing for “using a knife” for selling port chiefs and market opening to the US Foundation, falling 6% https://t.co/QSkfZBtSYH https://t.co/3iWZFrWtyb