Beijing is upset, but why is it limiting criticism of Hutchison’s pull-out from Panama?

The message from Beijing has been subtle but clear enough amid the snowballing controversy over the decision by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing’s flagship business arm CK Hutchison Holdings to sell 43 of its ports, including two in Panama, to a consortium led by US investment firm BlackRock.

There has been no direct commentary by state media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily or China Central Television, but Beijing’s unhappiness was reflected by two top offices supervising Hong Kong affairs. They reposted on their official websites two scathing opinion pieces against the Panama pull-out which were published by Hong Kong-based pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao more than a week ago.

While the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and Beijing’s liaison office have since refrained from publicly sharing further news commentary by Ta Kung Pao, the newspaper has kept up its criticism, also publishing a strongly worded editorial urging Hutchison to stand up to American pressure and call off the controversial deal.

Ta Kung Pao does represent Beijing authorities’ position to some extent as the publication is managed by them, but the bigger picture is reflected in the central government holding Washington ultimately responsible.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu last week highlighted three points regarding the Hutchison deal: society’s concerns deserving serious attention; his government’s firm opposition to any coercion by foreign forces; and the need for all business transactions to “comply with the legal and regulatory requirements”. Lee did not name the Li family.

Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying, now a state leader, did not name anyone either but asked: “Do merchants have no motherland?”