Spying probe finds comms equipment on Chinese cranes at US ports

Chinese-made cargo cranes at U.S. ports have sparked concern following a congressional investigation that unveiled potential national security risks, according to The Wall Street Journal. The probe revealed communication equipment on these cranes that doesn’t align with standard operations, prompting worries about possible clandestine data collection. Some of these components include cellular modems capable of remote access.

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Though it’s typical for cranes to feature modems for remote monitoring, it appears that certain U.S. ports utilizing cranes manufactured by China-based ZPMC hadn’t requested this capability. Investigators found over a dozen modems on crane components and another inside a port’s server room.

ZPMC, a state-owned Chinese company, declined to comment on the matter.

Worries regarding ZPMC’s cranes have escalated in recent years, prompting the Biden administration to invest in replacing them with U.S.-manufactured alternatives. This decision comes amid concerns of potential disruption and espionage.

The investigation is focusing on ZPMC and potential threats associated with Chinese-manufactured equipment at U.S. ports.