Shipping firms pull back from Hong Kong to skirt US-China risks

While some may be reviewing operational strategies, we as an organisation do not to see any widespread exodus or loss of confidence in Hong Kong,

Banga told Reuters,

We don't want to be in a position where China comes knocking, wanting our ships, and the U.S. is targeting us on the other side,

said one executive, who like others was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive issue

Being in Hong Kong positions us close to China's 40% share of global dry bulk import/export activity and close to Asia’s strong economic and industrial growth regions,

the spokesperson said

China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back,

Mr Trump said during his inaugural address in January

Cooperation between our governments passes through clear understandings in terms of issues of mutual interest... It doesn't have anything to do with 'reclaiming the canal' nor with tarnishing our national sovereignty."

He then wrote

We will keep you safe. We will make you rich. And together we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.”

He added, addressing the island's people

The Panama Canal is not in the process of being restored, and this is certainly not the task that was even discussed in our conversations with Secretary Rubio or anyone else."

The President added

I would like to stress that the transaction is purely commercial in nature and wholly unrelated to recent political news reports concerning the Panama Ports,

Frank Sixt, co-managing director of CK Hutchison, said in a news release

My administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it,

he said

Lin Jianspokesperson

China supports Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and is committed to maintaining its status as a permanently neutral international waterway,

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday

China has never been involved in the management or operation of the canal, nor has it interfered in its affairs,

he said

Just today, a large American company announced they are buying both ports around the Panama Canal and lots of other things having to do with the Panama Canal and a couple of other canals,

he said

The disposal would be significantly value enhancing for CK Hutchison if it is completed on the preliminary essential terms,

Citigroup analysts said