China's fury at the sale of Panama Canal ports to a US-led consortium reflects how container hubs have become prized currency as Beijing and Washington vie for global influence, analysts say. Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison this month sold 43 ports in 23 countries -- including operations in the vital Central American canal -- to a group led by giant asset manager BlackRock for $19 billion in cash.

Chinese antitrust regulators are investigating a US consortium’s deal for two ports in the Panama Canal zone, delaying the deal’s closing that was originally set for next week.

The security of the Panama Canal is vital to the U.S. economy and military, leading to concerns over China's presence in the region.