hina's government is threatening to block a $23 billion deal that would transfer ownership of more than 40 seaports—including two at the Panama Canal from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to Western investors, unless Cosco, China's largest shipping company, receives a stake.Beijing is pushing for state-owned Cosco to become an equal partner alongside BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), who reached a preliminary acquisition agreement in March. All parties—BlackRock, MSC, and Hutchison—are now open to Cosco’s involvement, according to sources familiar with the talks.However, Cosco cannot be included until the exclusivity period between BlackRock, MSC, and Hutchison ends on July 27. Any deal granting Cosco a stake in the Panama ports could draw opposition from President Trump, who has threatened to take control of the canal and criticized Hutchison’s existing ownership there