China Pauses New Deals With Li Ka-shing Family Over Panama Ports Plan

The directive was issued to state-owned enterprises last week at the behest of senior officials. Under the directive, state enterprises would not immediately get approval for business activities linked to the tycoon. The regulators are also reviewing what investments the family has in China and abroad in a bid to better understand the breadth of its business dealings.

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BEIJING — China has told state-owned firms to hold off on any new collaboration with businesses linked to Mr. Li Ka-shing and his family, according to people familiar with the matter, after the Hong Kong billionaire irked Beijing with his plan to sell two Panama ports to a global consortium.

The directive was issued to state-owned enterprises last week at the behest of senior officials, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private matters. Existing tie-ups are not affected, they added.

Under the directive, state enterprises would not immediately get approval for business activities linked to the tycoon. The regulators are also reviewing what investments the family has in China and abroad in a bid to better understand the breadth of its business dealings, the people said.