China’s state-owned shipping giant COSCO Shipping has rejected allegations from senior US officials that its vessels carry concealed equipment to intercept military communications and gather intelligence, calling the claims “totally unfounded.”
The allegations were reported on September 1, citing two senior Trump administration officials who claimed COSCO ships had been used as platforms for intelligence collection near the coastlines of countries including the United States. The officials also alleged that COSCO has maintained a decades-long intelligence-gathering relationship with Beijing.
COSCO strongly disputed the accusations. The company said that all communications, navigation, safety and operational equipment installed on its vessels is intended solely for legitimate commercial activities, including navigation safety, ship-to-shore communication and emergency response. It said none of the equipment is used to intercept military communications or collect intelligence.
The company also accused unnamed foreign media reports of spreading false or misleading information that could damage its corporate reputation and disrupt its international operations. COSCO said it reserves the right to take legal action to protect its interests.
The allegations add another layer of tension to the already sensitive US-China maritime and trade relationship. COSCO is one of the world’s largest container shipping groups, with extensive operations and port calls across North America, Europe and Asia, meaning any regulatory or security measures affecting the company could have wider implications for global shipping networks.
The dispute also highlights growing scrutiny of commercial vessels operated by Chinese state-linked companies amid broader concerns in Washington over maritime infrastructure, communications technology and potential links between civilian shipping assets and national-security activities.
For the shipping industry, the allegations remain disputed claims rather than established findings. COSCO’s categorical denial sets the stage for further scrutiny as US and Chinese authorities continue to address concerns surrounding the security implications of Chinese involvement in global maritime trade.