China warns Panama ports deal firms to ‘proceed with caution’

The Hutchison Ports logo is seen near the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong on May 7, 2025. (Photo by May JAMES / AFP)

China urged parties involved in Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison’s sale of Panama Canal ports to exercise “caution” Thursday, warning of legal consequences should they proceed without clearance from Beijing.

The Hong Kong firm’s attempt to sell most of its port operations to a US-led consortium was first announced in March after weeks of pressure from Donald Trump.

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