Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported today: "Following the news that Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings' Panama port sale deal under Li Ka-shing, Hong Kong's richest man, will be split into two parts to continue moving forward, China's regulatory authorities have spoken out, requiring all parties involved in the transaction not to take any measures to evade anti-monopoly review."
Comment: The United States has always regarded the Panama Canal as an important strategic asset. Trump once claimed that he would "recover control of the Panama Canal." If Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings sells the key ports at both ends of the canal to an American consortium, this is almost equivalent to handing over part of China's international trade lifeline to others. 21% of China's cargo ships rely on the Panama Canal. Once the U.S. gains control of the ports, the operating costs of Chinese shipping companies may significantly increase, and supply chain security will face great threats. In scenarios such as trade wars, the U.S. might even use the ports to impose a shipping blockade on China.
Enterprises under Li Ka-shing, as enterprises in Hong Kong, China, should consider the overall national interest. However, this transaction ignored potential risks and insisted on proceeding, attempting to split the transaction to evade scrutiny. Anti-monopoly review is not only a legal requirement but also a critical defense line for maintaining national strategic security and economic interests. China's regulatory authorities clearly require no evasion of the review, demonstrating their determination to firmly defend their own rights in Sino-U.S. competition.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830708043322532/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.