An expected delay in a key step in CK Hutchison's planned sale of its Panama ports to a U.S. group, a deal blasted by Chinese media, highlights growing concerns about Beijing's grip over Hong Kong and its exposure to global tensions,

Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing is considering delaying the expected signing next week of a controversial deal to sell his Panama Canal ports to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., people with knowledge of the matter said.

Market regulator empowered to put limits on sale or even halt deal under Anti-Monopoly Law, legal experts explain.