As President Donald Trump reorganizes U.S. trade relations with China and calls for the United States to reassert influence over the Panama Canal, Beijing has taken aim at a major Hong Kong business tycoon involved in a key infrastructure deal.
Victor Li, chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings and son of billionaire Li Ka-shing, was quietly removed from the Hong Kong government’s top advisory board after his company announced in March the sale of two key port operations near the Panama Canal to a U.S.-led consortium.
The move sparked swift disapproval from Beijing, coming just as Trump renewed calls for the United States to reclaim strategic influence over the canal and curtail China’s reach in the region.
On June 27, the Hong Kong government announced the second-term membership list of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers. Of the 34 members, three were new additions, replacing Li and two other retired or deceased members. Li was the only current company executive who was removed.
The government did not provide an explanation for Li’s removal. In response to local newspaper Ming Pao’s inquiries, the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit stated only that it regularly reviews and updates the advisory group to “include experts and leaders from various fields, based on current social issues and development needs.”
CK Hutchison has not issued a response.
Tensions With Beijing
Li was among the original members appointed in 2023 when the advisory body was established. At the time, he said he was honored to serve and pledged to use CK Hutchison’s international business experience with more than 50 countries to contribute to Hong Kong’s strategic development.
Hong Kong’s chief executive candidates have to be approved by Beijing and are voted on by an Election Committee dominated by pro-Beijing electors. The Council of Advisers is composed of pro-Beijing business leaders who advise the government on the strategic development of the city and is a symbol of political alignment. Li’s past membership can be viewed as an indicator of his political leanings.
