The Beijing-based regulator gave the thumbs up despite reports in Hong Kong media that it was ready to reject the bid over concerns about funding for the purchase.
HSBC also confirmed that it had received approval to sell the 15.57% stake and said it would complete the transfer of its shares to agribusiness conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, controlled by Thai tycoon Dhanin Chearavanont, on Feb 6.
"We have been informed that CIRC approval was granted today," HSBC said in a statement last Friday.
HSBC had stated on Dec 5 last year that it had reached an agreement to sell its stake to Charoen Pokphand Group, with the deal partly financed by a loan from the state lender China Development Bank.
