The Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the sale of ports in the Panama Canal. This was reported by Reuters.
According to the SAMR statement, the merger of companies should not be carried out without the consent of the government. Otherwise, it may entail legal liability.
It was reported that in early March, under pressure from former US President Donald Trump, the Hong Kong group Hutchison Holdings decided to sell the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, located on both sides of the Panama Canal.
According to the agreement, 90% of the ports' shares are planned to be transferred to an American consortium led by Blackrock. The value of the deal is estimated at between $19 billion and $23 billion.
Beijing is reacting critically to this situation. Chinese officials are concerned that this agreement could limit trade turnover.
It's worth noting that even before returning to the highest state position, Trump had expressed strong views on the management of the Panama Canal and demanded a reduction in China's influence and increased cooperation with the US.
