Logo 31 Mar 2025

Beijing confirms regulators are scrutinizing CK Hutchison port deal

China's market regulator (SAMR) confirmed it is scrutinizing CK Hutchison's port deal.

  • SAMR revealed the news in an interview with state media Ta Kung Pao, published Friday.

In case you've been living under a rock: Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison started a firestorm when it announced it would sell 43 ports in 23 countries – including two along the Panama Canal – to a consortium of investors led by US firm BlackRock.

Humble brag: In last week's deep dive we argued a SAMR regulatory review was one of the most likely tools Beijing would use to block the deal.

Unsurprisingly, the deal is facing delays:

  • On Friday, SCMP scooped that paperwork on the deal won't be signed by April 2, as previously planned.
  • Other publications subsequently confirmed the scoop, with multiple insiders indicating negotiations are ongoing.

Get smart: China perceives the US as strong-arming CK Hutchison to sell its strategic assets to foreign buyers.

Get smarter: Parties to the deal are now stuck between a Chinese rock and a US hard place.

  • Both Trump and Xi are personally invested in the deal, making it difficult for companies involved to pull out without being accused of caving to one side or the other.
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China's market regulator (SAMR) confirmed it is scrutinizing CK Hutchison's port deal.

SAMR revealed the news in an interview with state media Ta Kung Pao, published Friday.

In case you've been living under a rock: Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison started a firestorm when it announced it would ...