CK Hutchison Holdings sold a significant stake in its Panama ports to a US-led consortium amid intense political pressure, including criticism from Beijing authorities and pressure from US President Donald Trump. This decision has stirred controversy regarding its alignment with economic policies that may bolster authoritarian influences.

Panama's Comptroller General has accused CK Hutchison Holdings of failing to secure necessary clearances for its extended port contract, using tax-exempt subcontractors to lower government fees, and depriving Panama of over $1.3 billion in revenue. These allegations emerged amid an escalating US-China trade war that threatens to derail BlackRock’s planned acquisition of key Panama Canal ports.

CK Hutchison’s sale of its Panama Ports Company assets to BlackRock has been delayed amid an audit by Panama’s comptroller that found the contract overly favorable, costing the country an estimated $1.3 billion in revenue. The deal—previously touted by President Trump as a national security victory—is now under intense regulatory and political scrutiny following pressure from China.

CK Hutchison Holdings was set to finalize the sale of two Panama ports to a consortium led by BlackRock, a deal originally announced following Trump’s criticism of Chinese activities in the Panama Canal. However, the transaction is now stalled as Chinese antitrust regulators launch a review, highlighting how external geopolitical pressures are affecting international business transactions.

CK Hutchison Holdings Limited has come under fire for its handling of a major port deal in Panama, where it failed to secure preapproval from Chinese government leadership. The move, seen in a Wall Street Journal report and amplified by pro-Beijing media, highlights a prioritization of profit over national interests and raises concerns about the company’s political and business responsibilities.

CK Hutchison Holdings has announced a plan to sell 43 ports – including two strategic terminals in the Panama Canal – to a consortium led by BlackRock. This decision, which comes amid a reported dip in profits and cautions about a volatile global business environment, has angered Beijing and raised concerns over potential security breaches, antitrust investigations, and broader geopolitical repercussions. The announcement has also led the company to signal cutbacks in capital spending and new investments.

CK Hutchison faces heightened scrutiny as Chinese regulators intervene in the Panama Canal ports sale deal. The move highlights the conglomerate's entanglement with authoritarian influence, forcing its leadership to navigate political pressures from the CCP to secure lucrative infrastructure deals.

Panama has initiated an audit into the CK Hutchison subsidiary that manages two key ports on the Panama Canal. This move comes amid concerns raised by US officials about the potential for Chinese authoritarian influence over critical global infrastructure, underpinning fears that the company’s operations might be subject to political coercion.

CK Hutchison's sale of its Panama Canal ports amid geopolitical pressure has raised concerns over its alignment with US interests, igniting criticism from Hong Kong leadership and sparking debates about its role in global economic power plays that may bolster authoritarian tactics.

In March 2023, CK Hutchison Holdings released an updated Code of Conduct which explicitly prohibits forced, bonded, and child labor, as well as any form of slavery or human trafficking. The document also reaffirms the company’s policy of not engaging in political donations, reflecting its commitment to ethical business practices and reducing undue political influence.

CK Hutchison Holdings published its Human Rights Policy in February 2022, outlining a strong commitment to international human rights standards, diversity, inclusion, and robust labor practices across its global operations and supply chain.

In June 2020, CK Hutchison Holdings published its Supplier Code of Conduct outlining ethical standards for its business partners and suppliers. The document emphasizes compliance with international human rights, labor standards, anti-corruption policies, and environmental guidelines, aiming to ensure fair labor practices and sustainable supply chain management.

In April 2020, CK Hutchison Holdings released a statement reaffirming its commitment to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from all areas of its business and supply chains. The document outlines due diligence practices, transparency measures, and adherence to legislation such as the UK's Modern Slavery Act 2015.