This is the Friends of History Debating Society. I'm John Batchel to the Wall Street Journal.

The headline, China is unhappy with Black Rock's Panama Ports deal. What deal is that?

Beijing has signaled its displeasure over C.K. Hutchinson Holdings Agreement to sell its

majority controlling stake in Panama ports to a Black Rock-led

consortium, sending shares in the Hong Kong-based company sharply lower.

Commentary by Chinese state-owned Hong Kong newspaper criticized the deal,

saying it would result in the Panama Canal being used for political purposes,

restricting China's shipping and trade. The opinion piece cited unnamed individuals, critical of

C.K. Hutchinson, as saying the sale is, quote, profit seeking, and a move, quote, betraying and

selling off all Chinese people.

We go to Panama immediately. Michael Yan reporting at the Twitter address is Michael

underline Jan. Michael has watched Panama for years now. He's there recording all the time

the comings and goings of this critical state in Central America.

You will recall C.K. Hutchinson owns a port on one side and a port on the other.

There are five facilities. It's two of the five. However, it is a worldwide player in ports.

It is owned originally by a zillionaire out of Hong Kong, a senior figure,

and because it was listed in the Hong Kong Exchange, it was regarded as a good investment and has

been. Well, BlackRock, headed by Larry Fink, has moved in with a big offer taken by

Hutchinson,

congratulated by everyone because it relieved the anxiety of the Trump administration that Panama was vulnerable to Chinese interference.

And now, Michael, everything you won in Panama.

And starting all over again, China says it's unhappy. What does that mean, Michael?

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