COSCO Ships Accused of Spying on US Military: The Hidden Tech on Board
US officials claim China’s state-owned COSCO has used concealed equipment on its vessels to collect military.
The U.S. government has accused COSCO, China’s largest state-owned shipping company, of installing concealed surveillance equipment on its vessels to gather military intelligence near American and allied coastlines. Two senior officials from the Trump administration alleged that the company has worked with Beijing for decades, using its fleet to intercept communication signals from ships and aircraft across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The officials described the equipment as advanced intelligence-gathering technology, not standard maritime communications gear. According to their claims, the operation could enable China to monitor critical shipping lanes, conduct maritime reconnaissance, and gain early warnings about foreign military movements. The collected data might also support Beijing’s territorial claims in disputed waters.
The U.S. Department of Defense added COSCO to its list of Chinese military companies in January 2025, citing concerns over the company’s role in China’s military-civil fusion strategy. While the designation does not impose formal sanctions, it could limit COSCO’s access to U.S. government contracts and damage its reputation.
COSCO Shipping Holdings
Congressional Concerns and Naval Report
In a January 22, 2025, letter to the U.S. Coast Guard, senior lawmakers from two House committees raised alarms about potential risks tied to COSCO’s operations in U.S. ports. They warned of possible espionage, cyber threats, sabotage, and disruptions to supply chains, reflecting broader unease about China’s influence in global maritime trade.
A separate report from the U.S. Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute, published in April 2025, examined the use of Chinese commercial and fishing vessels for intelligence purposes. The study noted that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has placed intelligence personnel on ships operating abroad, including those in China’s distant-water fishing fleet. However, the report did not specifically link COSCO to the alleged signals intelligence activities described by U.S. officials.
China’s Denial and COSCO’s Continued Operations
China’s embassy in Washington denied the allegations, stating that Beijing would never direct companies or individuals to gather intelligence abroad in violation of local laws. COSCO remains one of the world’s largest shipping firms, with ongoing operations at U.S. ports and joint ventures providing container terminal services in the country.
Despite the accusations, COSCO’s role in global trade remains significant. The company’s extensive network spans key maritime routes, ensuring its continued influence in international shipping. The U.S. government’s claims, though unproven, underscore rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over the intersection of commerce and national security.
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