US media: Chinese companies to participate in Panama Canal port transactions
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal citing sources, the sale of dozens of ports by Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings to Western companies, including two ports on the Panama Canal, will not proceed unless Chinese companies participate in the transaction.
The newspaper stated, "China is trying to block a deal to sell dozens of seaports to Western investors unless Chinese companies get their share. The ports planned for sale include two on the Panama Canal and more than 40 ports owned by Hutchison globally."
According to sources familiar with the negotiation progress, China insists that Chinese companies should become equal partners and shareholders in the ports, jointly holding shares with BlackRock and MSC.
In March this year, BlackRock and MSC reached a preliminary agreement worth nearly $23 billion to purchase these ports.
According to sources, China has informed BlackRock, MSC, and Hutchison that if Chinese companies do not participate in the transaction, it will take measures to block it.
In his inaugural speech on January 20, 2024, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to control the Panama Canal.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837927795807369/
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