China demands review of sale of strategic ports of the Panama Canal.

The Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) demands a comprehensive antitrust review of the sale of several ports, including the Panama Canal, which is planned to be sold by the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, reports Reuters.

The sale of ports located on both sides of the strategically important Panama Canal has become a subject of political disputes due to the escalating trade conflict between the US and China.

The ultimatum from the State Administration for Market Regulation states that any concentration of enterprises must have approval, and violations will lead to legal consequences.

'No concentration of enterprises should occur without approval; otherwise, legal liability will ensue,' the State Administration for Market Regulation stated.

This statement was made following a Wall Street Journal article from April 16 that reported tycoon Li Ka-shing, owner of CK Hutchison, is negotiating to transfer much of the deal to other participants to resolve disputes over the ports. This information is confirmed by sources familiar with the situation.

The deal consists of two parts with different ownership structures - one for the Panamanian ports and another for the rest.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to regain US control over the Panama Canal and welcomed the sale agreement as a 'return' of the waterway. However, Chinese state media criticized the sale plans, viewing them as a betrayal of national interests.

On Saturday, Trump stated that US military and commercial vessels have the right to free passage through the Panama and Suez canals.

The CK Hutchison conglomerate, which owns the ports, plans to sell 80% of its stake in the port business, which includes 43 ports in 23 countries. The company's value, including debt, stands at $22.8 billion.

It is also reported that Singapore's PSA International, which owns the other 20%, is considering selling its stake.

Overall, the Hong Kong conglomerate owns stakes in 53 ports. Ports in Hong Kong and mainland China are not included in the deal.