Panama Port Sale Collapse: Trump’s Geopolitical Gambit Fails
CK Hutchison’s planned sale of its Panama Canal ports to a BlackRock-led consortium, initially slated for April 2nd, is delayed. While not officially cancelled, the deal faces significant opposition from Chinese authorities who view it as furthering U.S. containment strategies. The sale, expected to generate over $19 billion, involves two of the five ports adjacent to the canal, and has been met with both support from former U.S. President Trump and criticism from pro-Beijing media. The delay follows directives from Chinese authorities to state-owned firms to avoid new deals with Li Ka-shing’s businesses.
John Q. Hosedrinker