AsianFin -- Ta Kung Pao published a commentary on Friday urging the company and individuals involved in the sale of ports in Panama and other countries to reconsider the deal, warning that the risks could outweigh the benefits.

The article highlighted the controversy surrounding a well-known Hong Kong company’s plan to sell the operational rights of 43 overseas ports—including two key ports of the Panama Canal—to U.S. investment firm BlackRock. The proposal has sparked intense public debate and sharp criticism.

The commentary pointed out that, in recent years, the U.S. has increasingly viewed China as a "top competitor" and a "geopolitical challenge." This has led to actions such as technological blockades, trade wars, and supply chain decoupling aimed at limiting China’s development. Controlling critical global infrastructure, including ports, is part of the U.S. strategy, the article noted.

The Panama Canal is a crucial route for global shipping, handling around 6 percent of worldwide trade annually. It plays a vital role in trade between China and the Americas, making it of significant importance to China’s foreign trade and logistics costs. The commentary stressed that the potential impact on China’s national interests should not be underestimated.

The article also countered arguments that the transaction is simply a matter of "freedom of contract," stating that actions harmful to national security and society are subject to regulation and legal consequences, even if they are presented as legal. It emphasized that, under the "one country, two systems" policy, the primary responsibility is to protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests. The deal, the article argued, would harm these interests and thus violate the core principles of the policy.