Forty ports face uncertain ownership

China is threatening to derail a $23 billion deal for more than 40 global ports including two at the Panama Canal .

China insists that its state-owned shipping company, COSCO,  be included in the deal with BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Co. 

The ports are owned by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison which excluded COSCO from the deal.

United States President Donald Trump has already objected to Hutchison’s control of Panama Canal ports and recently threatened to “take back” the canal, accusing Panama of violating the treaty that transferred U.S. control. 

While BlackRock and MSC had initially signed an exclusive deal with Hutchison in March, all parties are reportedly now open to COSCO’s involvement — though no final agreement can be struck before the exclusivity window closes on July 27.