China's government is stepping up criticism of a Hong Kong-based conglomerate's plan to sell the operator of two Panama Canal ports to a consortium that includes a US investment fund.



CK Hutchison announced this month that it had agreed to sell 90 percent of its stake in a company that runs the facilities near the canal to a group including the US investment fund BlackRock.



Hong Kong's pro-Beijing media are demanding that the deal be reviewed. One such report asked why CK Hutchison decided to sell strategic assets to "American forces harboring malicious intentions." Some also asked whether the company took national interests into consideration.



The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's State Council has reposted such articles on its website since last Thursday.



US President Donald Trump has warned of Chinese influence over the Panama Canal and repeatedly demanded that it be returned to the United States.



China has signaled frustration that CK Hutchison appears to have bowed to pressure from the US.



The Chinese government has been increasing pressure on Hong Kong businesses, such as by demanding that they show patriotism and contribute to national strategy.



But some private businesses are alarmed by Beijing's intervention.