China has instructed state-owned enterprises to refrain from engaging in any new collaborations with companies associated with Li Ka-shing and his family due to Beijing's displeasure over his decision to sell two Panama ports to a global consortium. The directive was reportedly issued by senior officials last week, affecting future business activities without impacting existing partnerships. Regulators are also examining the family's investments in China and abroad to gain insights into the scope of their business dealings. While CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd., CK Asset Holdings Ltd., Horizons Ventures Ltd., and Pacific Century Group did not provide any comments, Chinese authorities have remained silent on the matter. This pause in new dealings does not necessarily indicate a complete ban on state firms working with Li-linked businesses but adds pressure on the billionaire following the contentious sale of the Panama ports, which attracted attention from both US and Chinese authorities. The sale, set to bring in over $19 billion, has raised concerns about national security and antitrust violations, although Chinese and Hong Kong ports are not directly involved. Despite potential regulatory scrutiny, CK Hutchison's exposure to the halt in dealings with state-owned enterprises may be limited, as the majority of its revenue is generated outside Hong Kong and mainland China, primarily in Europe, North America, and Australia.