US Lawmakers Warn About Security Risks from Chinese Cranes in American Ports
Several US lawmakers have raised concerns over the United States’ reliance on maritime infrastructure produced in China, specifically cranes, warning that this could pose a security risk to the country.
Key Findings from the Report
A joint report by the US Homeland Security Committee and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (SCCCP) highlighted efforts by Chinese state-owned enterprises, including Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd (ZPMC), to gain economic leverage over US ports by offering non-competitive pricing for equipment and technology, while also making strategic investments.
The report, titled ‘Handling Our Cargo: How the People’s Republic of China Invests Strategically in the US Maritime Industry’, revealed that ZPMC, or a related third-party company, had installed cellular modems on Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes at certain US ports. These installations were made outside the scope of existing contracts.
Security Alarms Raised
In February 2021, the FBI discovered intelligence-gathering devices on ZPMC STS cranes at the Port of Baltimore, raising immediate security alarms. The report also noted that ZPMC had requested remote access to STS cranes operating in multiple US ports, particularly along the West Coast.
The committees expressed concerns that granting such access could allow broader involvement by the Chinese government, given China’s national security laws that mandate cooperation between companies like ZPMC and Chinese intelligence agencies.
Contract Gaps and National Security Concerns
The investigation found alarming gaps in contracts between ZPMC and US ports, with no provisions preventing unauthorized changes or access to equipment. This leaves ZPMC free to modify technology, potentially enabling backdoors for unauthorized access or remote control, jeopardizing sensitive information or US port operations.
The report also highlighted ZPMC’s deep ties with the Chinese military and various state-run entities, noting that the company’s board included senior members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and individuals involved in defense contracting.
Investigation and Data Collection
The report was compiled based on oversight and questioning of both public and private stakeholders. Documents and information were gathered from key players in the US maritime industry, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, the US Coast Guard, the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (DTMA), and the FBI. International port equipment manufacturers also participated in the investigation, providing critical insights and data.
Doubts Revealed
US Lawmakers -: US lawmakers are people who make laws in the United States. They are like the leaders who decide what rules everyone should follow.
Chinese Cranes -: Chinese cranes are big machines made in China that help lift and move heavy things, like containers, in ports where ships load and unload goods.
American Ports -: American ports are places in the United States where ships come to load and unload goods. They are like big parking lots for ships.
US Homeland Security Committee -: The US Homeland Security Committee is a group of people in the US government who work to keep the country safe from dangers like terrorism and other threats.
Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party -: This is a special group in the US government that focuses on issues related to the Chinese Communist Party, which is the ruling party in China.
ZPMC -: ZPMC is a big company in China that makes cranes and other heavy equipment. It is owned by the Chinese government.
Cellular Modems -: Cellular modems are devices that help machines connect to the internet using mobile phone networks, like how your phone connects to the internet.
Intelligence Gathering -: Intelligence gathering means collecting information, often secretly, to understand what other people or countries are doing. It’s like spying to get important information.
National Security Concerns -: National security concerns are worries about things that could harm a country and its people, like spying or attacks.
Chinese Military -: The Chinese military is the group of people in China who are trained to protect the country and fight in wars, like the army, navy, and air force.