China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said that it was aware of the deal and would “review it" to safeguard public and national interest

Beijing’s threat to stop a tycoon’s sale of his ports business has dealmakers wondering if they can still operate without political interference.

China's market regulator said it will review Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison's sale of Panama Canal ports to a US-led consortium, a Beijing-backed newspaper in Hong Kong reported on Friday. The State Administration for Market Regulation was "aware of this transaction and will conduct a review in accordance with the law,