We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.” Thus spoke Donald Trump shortly after BlackRock, an American investment firm, announced on March 4th that it would buy two ports on the Panama Canal from ck Hutchison (ckh),

Beijing’s threat to stop a tycoon’s sale of his ports business has dealmakers wondering if they can still operate without political interference.

Hong Kong political heavyweights have raised concerns over Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison Holdings’ plan to sell its Panama Canal ports, warning the sale should not be viewed purely through a commercial lens as it is of strategic importance to the nation’s development and security.