CK Hutchison faces key port sale date as Hong Kong stokes patriotism

CK Hutchison faces key port sale date as Hong Kong stokes patriotism CK Hutchison faces key port sale date as Hong Kong stokes patriotism

HONG KONG — A prescribed “deadline” for Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings’ sale of dozens of worldwide ports arrived Wednesday, with uncertainty swirling over the prospects for proceeding amid relentless criticism from Chinese state-backed media.

Hong Kong’s government, meanwhile, was busy stepping up its campaign to inspire patriotism toward the city and China, a key element of many arguments against the deal.