The leader of Hong Kong has intervened in a dispute involving a major conglomerate's decision to sell its Panama Canal port assets to a consortium that includes BlackRock Inc., an American investment bank. This deal has sparked the ire of Beijing and underlines how escalating tensions between China and the United States can put Hong Kong's business community in a difficult position.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed concerns about CK Hutchison Holdings' plan to sell its controlling stake in a company that operates ports at both ends of the Panama Canal. He emphasized that the deal should be carefully examined, but did not specify the exact concerns.

Lee emphasized the importance of creating a fair and just environment for enterprises and condemned the use of coercion or bullying in international economic and trade relations, without mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump directly or criticizing CK Hutchison or its owner, the Li Ka-shing family.

Beijing has indirectly criticized the deal through reposting commentaries by a local newspaper. These articles questioned the sale and suggested that aligning with American politicians for quick profits could lead to negative consequences.

Lee stressed the need for all business transactions to comply with Hong Kong's laws, and the city will handle the situation accordingly. The growing influence of Beijing is placing additional pressure on business leaders in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

CK Hutchison did not respond to Lee's remarks or the newspaper articles and did not plan a news conference to address the situation.