Chinese authorities increased pressure on CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. over its plan to sell its Panama ports stake by sharing a second newspaper commentary attacking the deal.

HONG KONG -- Chinese state media escalated criticism of CK Hutchison, the Hong Kong-based conglomerate owned by tycoon Li Ka-shing's family, arguing that its agreement to sell Panama Canal port assets to a consortium led by U.S. investment firm BlackRock is unpatriotic.

China has sent a senior-level delegation to Panama at a time when relations have been clouded by developments surrounding the Panama Canal, a move seen by observers as an attempt to "understand what is unfolding" and possibly reverse the situation.