India, March 24 -- The recent sale of Panama Canal port assets by Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings to a US-led consortium has significantly heightened US-China trade tensions. This transaction, coupled with escalating tariff measures, underscores the deepening geopolitical rivalry between the two economic superpowers.

On March 4, 2025, CK Hutchison Holdings announced the sale of its stakes in the Balboa and Cristobal ports-strategically located at the Pacific and Atlantic ends of the Panama Canal-to a consortium led by BlackRock Inc. for approximately $22.8 billion. This deal also includes control over 43 ports across 23 countries, marking a significant shift in global port operations.

The Panama Canal is a critical maritime route, han...