China says it will conduct a review of a deal involving a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, to sell its Panama Canal ports business.



China's State Administration for Market Regulation made the announcement on Sunday.



It came as US President Donald Trump has been making remarks about the need for the return of the canal from the Panamanian government that operates it, due to concern about China's influence on the key waterway.



Hong Kong-headquartered CK Hutchison Holdings, the parent of the company which owns the ports operations near the canal, reached a basic agreement in early March to sell the business to a consortium that includes a US investment fund.



But the Chinese government reacted negatively and signing a final agreement has been postponed.



On Monday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson suggested all parties involved will not be able to evade the review, and those making a deal before government approval will be legally liable.



The spokesperson slammed the Trump administration, saying the Chinese side firmly opposes an act that exerts economic pressure to undermine the legitimate interests of other countries.