"any mutually beneficial cooperation" doesn't have to mean the port deal.
True. The port deal should be approved or disapproved based on our laws regarding such deals.
It looks like based on those laws, it's going to be approved.
So should the laws be changed? Are we going to make specific requirements about government owned companies based on the policies of those governments, rahter than the actions of that company they own?
Should we only allow foreign investment by companies if they aren't owned by a government that isn't generally democratic in nature?
This issue really isn't about security.
If employees of DB Ports World aid in a terrorist attack and it's traced back to the government their leadiers are going to face the concentrated wrath of the United States. I suspect that their government has a very strong interest in making sure they hire reliable people without terrorist ties.
However, there is the issue of this deal possibly helping to enrich a government which by our standards is oppressive. That's a serious issue, but not one with a simple solution, because sometimes you need to cooperate and encourage change. Other times you need to require change before cooperation.