Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-04-01 23:26Core Viewpoint - The sale of ports by Li Ka-shing to the American financial group BlackRock has raised significant concerns regarding national interests and strategic infrastructure, especially in the context of escalating US-China tensions [3][15]. Group 1: Transaction Details - Li Ka-shing's company, CK Hutchison Holdings, announced an agreement to sell 43 ports across 23 countries to BlackRock for $22.765 billion [3][6]. - BlackRock's transaction involves ports that handle one in every twenty shipping containers globally, highlighting the strategic importance of this deal [6][10]. - The primary operational partner for BlackRock in this transaction is the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which is the largest shipping group globally [7][8]. Group 2: Implications of the Deal - If the transaction is completed, BlackRock will significantly enhance its influence in the infrastructure sector, potentially controlling around 100 port investments globally through its GIP fund [10][12]. - The deal has sparked concerns in China, as it could lead to increased operational costs for Chinese shipping companies entering these ports, especially with the US considering imposing a service fee on Chinese vessels [15][17]. - The transaction has been met with public discontent, with calls for a review of the deal due to its implications for national security and economic interests [19][21]. Group 3: Potential Outcomes - There are four possible outcomes for the transaction: normal completion, modification of the deal to exclude sensitive ports, complete cancellation, or a split sale where strategic ports are sold to state-owned enterprises [19][21]. - The likelihood of the deal being canceled is considered high, given the ongoing scrutiny and regulatory reviews [19][21].