Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterated on Monday that China will review the sale of two ports on the Panama Canal by Hong Kong's CK Hutchison, in accordance with the law to ensure fair market competition and protect public interests.

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.