US, China raise the stakes in Panama Canal ports row

BlackRock, at centre of Panama ports deal, has nearly US$16 billion in Chinese stocks

SHANGHAI — BlackRock, the asset manager at the centre of a deal to buy US$23 billion in port assets from Li Ka-shing's CK Hutchison Holdings, has about $15.5 billion invested in Hong Kong and mainland-listed stocks through its China-focused funds, with its portfolios concentrated on technology and financial companies.

The Ghost of Jimmy Carter Comes Back to Haunt America: China Blocks Panama Canal Sale to Blackrock — Setting Up Major Confrontation with President Trump

Tensions escalate as China blocks BlackRock's strategic acquisition of Panama Canal ports, igniting a confrontation with President Trump over U.S. control of this vital maritime route. Historical implications and geopolitical stakes unfold.

Xi Jinping will have to make some sacrifices to ultimately win. None of China's central propaganda agencies or government offices directly condemned the agreement.

Was Li Ka-shing pushed to sell Panama ports, or did he jump?

Trump sees the sale of CK Hutchison’s ports as a victory, China sees it as coercion. For the 96-year-old Hong Kong billionaire, it might just be a good opportunity.

China Sounds Alarm Over Blackrock-Led Takeover Bid of Key Panama Ports

National security adviser Mike Waltz told reporters last month that the leadership of Panama had entered into “negotiations about addressing the ports on either side of the canal,” in a reference to the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. The deal by an American conglomerate to buy the facilities from Hong Kong company CK Hutchison will be reviewed, Chinese antitrust regulator stated on its website. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation…

BlackRock, at centre of Panama ports deal, is big owner of China stocks

World’s largest money manager has at least seven funds dedicated to Chinese stocks; five are passive ETFs and two are actively managed.