China Pushes Back Against Panama Port Sale

A March 2025 view of Panama's port of Balboa, until recently owned by Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings. Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP

Chinese authorities are probing the recently announced sale of ports in Panama by the Hong Kong company CK Hutchison Holdings. Several agencies, including the State Administration of Market Regulation, are reportedly scrutinizing the deal for possible security breaches or antitrust violations. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump claiming of the deal to offload 43 ports (including two in Panama) to a consortium led by BlackRock as a victory over China.

Meanwhile, a senior CPC delegation reportedly visited Panama last week to investigate the situation. The delegation was led by Ma Hui, the vice-minister of the International Department, the Communist Party’s diplomacy wing. This follows sharp criticism of the sale in China, including some condemning CK Hutchison’s head Li Ka-shing for “spineless groveling” to the U.S.

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by CGSP Staff

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