Is the Chinese Communist Party spying on America’s ports? Shocking revelations suggest Chinese-built cranes at U.S. ports may serve as hidden digital Trojan horses, potentially giving Beijing access to critical infrastructure.
At a glance:
- Congressional investigation found unauthorized cellular modems in Chinese-built cargo cranes at U.S. ports
- These modems could allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to spy on or disrupt American port operations
- ZPMC, a Chinese state-owned company, supplies 80% of ship-to-shore cranes used in U.S. ports
- The modems were not included in original contracts and were installed without port officials’ knowledge
- Biden administration plans to invest $20 billion to replace foreign-built cranes with American ones
Hidden Threats in America’s Critical Infrastructure
House Republicans have uncovered alarming evidence that China may have embedded surveillance technology in cargo cranes operating at America’s busiest ports. The discovery has sparked serious national security concerns as these critical pieces of infrastructure handle nearly half of all U.S. imports. The discovery adds weight to other serious claims about Chinese spying in America, which comes in a number of guises.
A joint investigation by several House committees revealed that Chinese manufacturer ZPMC installed cellular modems on ship-to-shore cranes without disclosing this to port officials. Experts believe the unauthorized devices could potentially allow remote access to sensitive port operations and data.
Republican Leaders Sound the Alarm
Rep. Mark Green, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, has been leading the charge to expose this potential threat to American security. The Tennessee Republican warned that these vulnerabilities could allow China to “not only undercut trade competitors through espionage, but disrupt supply chains and the movement of cargo, devastating our nation’s economy.”
The implications are particularly troubling as the Chinese-built cranes handle approximately 80% of container movement at American ports. Both Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, which together process 40% of U.S. imports, rely heavily on this Chinese technology.
America’s Response to the Chinese Threat
Former Trump administration Cybersecurity Chief Chris Krebs stressed the severity of the threat, calling it “the number one cyber risk facing the United States right now.” His assessment chimes with growing bipartisan concern about China’s ability to disrupt American commerce and military operations through infiltrated port technology.
ZPMC has denied responsibility for the modems, but congressional investigators found the devices were installed without port officials’ knowledge or consent. The Coast Guard has since ordered ports to better secure Chinese-made cranes amid rising tensions between the United States and China.
The push for American-made equipment at U.S. ports gained significant momentum during the Trump administration and continues to be a priority for Republicans concerned about national security.
