Is China sabotaging America’s influence in one of the world’s most important shipping channels? Beijing is now working overtime to block a major Panama Canal port sale that would shift power away from Chinese interests and back to the United States.
At a glance:
• China is actively opposing the sale of two Panama Canal ports from Hong Kong’s CK Hutchinson to US-based Black Rock
• The Panama Canal is a strategic maritime chokepoint handling approximately 3% of global trade
• CK Hutchinson has operated two of the five ports adjacent to the Panama Canal since 1998
• Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly views the deal as a challenge to Chinese influence and a potential bargaining tool in tariff negotiations
• The disputed sale is part of a larger $23 billion transaction involving 45 ports across 23 countries
China Blocks American Company From Acquiring Panama Canal Ports
The Chinese government is making aggressive moves to prevent America from gaining strategic control over key Panama Canal ports. Hong Kong-based CK Hutchinson’s planned sale of two critical Panama Canal ports to US-based Black Rock is now in serious jeopardy due to direct opposition from Beijing.
These ports represent crucial infrastructure in one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, handling approximately 3% of global maritime trade. CK Hutchinson has operated two of the five ports adjacent to the Panama Canal since 1998, with their concession extended in 2021.
🚨 Beijing Slams Li Ka-shing’s Panama Canal Port Sale as “Betrayal”
On March 13, China’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office reposted an editorial from the state-run Ta Kung Pao, criticizing both the U.S. and Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison (長江和記) for prioritizing profit… https://t.co/2lwHgEzitm
— Kosei Murata 🇯🇵🇺🇸🇫🇷🇹🇼 (@ilovetheworld1) March 14, 2025
Xi Jinping Personally Intervenes In Strategic Standoff
Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly expressed personal displeasure with the potential deal, viewing it as a direct challenge to Chinese power. Pro-Beijing media in Hong Kong have publicly criticized the sale, characterizing it as harmful to China’s national interests and aligning with American strategies to contain China’s global influence.
The disputed transaction is part of a larger $23 billion deal involving 45 ports across 23 countries, highlighting the global implications of this power struggle. Chinese antitrust regulators have launched an investigation into the deal, creating significant regulatory hurdles that threaten to derail the entire transaction.
The Trump administration previously pushed Panama to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, recognizing the strategic importance of the canal region. This current standoff represents the continuation of a years-long struggle for influence over this critical maritime passage between the world’s two largest economic powers.
Alternative Buyers Emerge As Chinese Pressure Mounts
With Chinese opposition intensifying, alternative solutions are now being explored to resolve the ownership dispute. CK Hutchinson is reportedly in talks with the Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company as an alternative buyer, which could potentially resolve the issue of Chinese control without directly benefiting American strategic interests.
The outcome remains highly uncertain, with Black Rock potentially failing to acquire these strategically vital ports. This development represents a significant setback for American efforts to reduce Chinese influence over critical global trade infrastructure and secure strategic advantages in the ongoing competition for global influence.
