In a concerning revelation from a congressional report, a Chinese state-owned company, ZPMC, has been implicated in installing espionage devices in cargo cranes at various US seaports. The investigation, conducted over a year by Republican majorities on two House committees, highlights that these cranes, especially prevalent on the West Coast, could serve Beijing’s spying efforts due to embedded cellular modems unauthorized by US ports.
ZPMC, dominating about 80% of the American cargo crane market, has reportedly pressured US port authorities to permit remote access to these cranes. This access poses a severe risk as it could extend to other Chinese government entities, exploiting PRC national security laws that compel cooperation with state intelligence agencies.
The clandestine modems installed in the cranes are not part of the original US contracts and are believed to be a method for gathering usage data, unbeknownst to US ports. These modems represent a significant security vulnerability, potentially undermining the integrity and operations of critical US infrastructures.
Reacting to these findings, the involved committees have urged the Department of Homeland Security to issue immediate guidance to dismantle any such modems connected to ZPMC cranes. Despite ZPMC’s influence, no US manufacturers currently exist as alternatives for crane production, a situation exacerbated by extensive Chinese state support for ZPMC through subsidies and preferential financial treatments.
In response, the White House has committed $20 billion to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities related to maritime infrastructure, including ZPMC’s cranes. Further governmental action includes plans to phase out Chinese-made equipment from US ports, aiming to revitalize and return crane manufacturing to the United States.
Amidst these security concerns, legislative measures are being considered to permit US ports to temporarily bypass domestic sourcing requirements until the nation can foster its own crane production capabilities. This shift would not only enhance security but also reduce reliance on potentially adversarial foreign technology.
#USPorts #Cybersecurity #NationalSecurity #Infrastructure #TradeEspionage #ChinaUSRelations
