At least two of HNA Group’s overseas deals have hit a hurdle as the Chinese conglomerate struggles to take money out of China, said sources, amid a widening crackdown by Beijing on debt-fuelled corporate acquisitions.

US hotel operator Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide yesterday received a higher buyout offer from a consortium led by China’s Anbang Insurance Group that could derail Marriott International’s planned takeover of Starwood.