Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu meets the media ahead of an Executive Council meeting on January 27, 2026. Photo: VCG

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday reiterated the government’s strong dissatisfaction with a ruling by Panama’s top court, saying the decision has undermined investor confidence in the country’s business environment and that the government will review both current and future investments there, according to local media reports.

Lee made the remarks at a press briefing amid controversy following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Panama late last month, which declared unconstitutional the renewal of an operating concession involving Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, for two ports in the country.

Citing the remarks from a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lee said China will take all necessary measures to safeguard the relevant rights and interests, adding that the HKSAR government will fully support and cooperate in those efforts, the mingpao.com reported on Tuesday.

Lee stressed that the government’s stance is clear in opposing any foreign government’s use of coercion, pressure or other political means in international economic and trade relations.

He noted that Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau last week summoned Panama’s consul general in Hong Kong to express dissatisfaction, saying Panama’s “reneging” on lawful commercial arrangements had damaged credibility, harmed the local business environment and economic development, and seriously undermined trade rules.

Lee urged the Panamanian government to respect the spirit of contracts, provide a fair and just business environment for enterprises operating lawfully in the country, and ensure that their legitimate rights and interests are not subject to interference.

Asked about what future measures China would take in response to Panama’s Supreme Court ruling, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on February 5, citing a commentary posted by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council of China, that the ruling was an act of bad faith that disregarded facts and severely undermined the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of a Hong Kong company of China.

Lin, citing the commentary, said that the Chinese government is committed to protecting the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

CK Hutchison Holdings on February 4 issued a voluntary announcement saying its board strongly opposes the ruling and related government actions, adding that Panama Ports Company will actively and resolutely pursue arbitration against the Panamanian government.

Global Times