Li Ka-shing's Cheung Kong Holdings plans to sell 43 ports located in 23 countries around the world to the BlackRock consortium, including ports at the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal.
After the announcement on March 4, Cheung Kong's stock surged from 38 to 52, setting a new annual high, indicating that the capital market recognizes Li Ka-shing's decisions.
Recently, there has been a shift in sentiment, especially after state media shared articles, leading to a surge in criticism against Li Ka-shing. I still hold my previous view: you may not believe in the character of the rich, but you must believe in their vision.
We should not blindly follow the trend to criticize Li Ka-shing, as it brings us no benefit, other than venting emotions without gaining anything in the end. Instead, we should consider the business logic behind Li Ka-shing's decisions. Did he have advance knowledge of information unknown to ordinary people? Or did his keen business and political instincts sense something ominous? Otherwise, why would he sell the ports?
Currently, global trade tensions are ongoing, especially since Trump's administration has imposed tariffs everywhere, with increasing uncertainties from wars, pandemics, and other factors. The trend of globalization is indeed quite evident, and under such circumstances, international trade is not as smooth as before, which will naturally affect port operations, and it may not change in the short term. Of course, Li Ka-shing may also be considering how to avoid geopolitical risks, or there may be information we are unaware of that prompted him to sell the ports.
I think we should ask more questions like these and strive to find information, peeling back the layers to see if we can understand the underlying business logic. Looking at Li Ka-shing's past cases, he seems to have a knack for avoiding pitfalls in advance. Some people completely lack critical thinking; when Li Ka-shing was selling domestic assets, they criticized him for selling out the country, and now that he is selling foreign ports, they also accuse him of selling out. I hope readers can analyze the decision-making logic behind his actions and strive to be informed individuals in the business world.
Many people criticize Li Ka-shing from a moral high ground of national and ethnic interests, yet they still adhere to the theory that "capital comes into the world dripping blood from every pore." Such people are either foolish or malicious, and in real life, it is best to keep them at a distance.
They believe that as long as they wave a banner of justice, they can disregard others' property rights and ignore the law, while pointing fingers at others' businesses. What is property rights? It is the right of the property owner to possess, use, dispose of, and benefit from their property. In other words, if someone wants to sell their own belongings, what business is it of yours? Many people may not own ports but have houses, so let me use a house as an example: if you want to sell your house to someone I don't like, would you listen to me if I said you can't sell? The logic of many people is quite amusing.
I have always believed that one should do their own job well. If you are a teacher, then strive to educate; if you are a knight, then protect the castle; if you are a businessman, then work hard to run your business well, maximizing profits for your shareholders and employees, and that’s all there is to it.
Li Ka-shing is a businessman who must be accountable to shareholders and investors, and of course, he needs to consider issues from a business perspective. If he feels he can make money, he will plan ahead; if he senses losses, he will retreat early. The primary duty of a businessman is to ensure the normal operation of their enterprise, so that employees can earn a living, shareholders can receive returns, and taxes can be paid to the state. If an entrepreneur can manage a business well, that is the greatest contribution to society.
In summary, Li Ka-shing is a successful businessman and a qualified entrepreneur. I admire his forward-thinking strategic vision and do not doubt the choices he makes.
Lastly, here’s a joke:
A reporter asked an old farmer if he would be willing to donate his house for national development. The old farmer said he would. Then the reporter asked if he would donate his car. The old farmer said he would. Then what about donating two cows? The old farmer said he would not. The reporter asked why, since he was willing to donate his house and car. The old farmer replied, "Because I really have two cows."
This is for those who harshly criticize Li Ka-shing as a traitor and shout about going to war every day. You should keep your distance from such people, because when the thunder strikes, it may implicate you as well.