China's fury at the sale of Panama Canal ports to a US-led consortium reflects how container hubs have become prized currency as Beijing and Washington vie for global influence, analysts say. Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison this month sold 43 ports in 23 countries -- including operations in the vital Central American canal -- to a group led by giant asset manager BlackRock for $19 billion in cash.

China has punished Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing after his company sold two ports in the Panama Canal to a US investment giant following pressure from Donald Trump.

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese state media on Saturday criticised Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison's plan to sell its ports near the Panama Canal to a BlackRock-led group, a day after China's market regulator launched a probe into the deal.