US investigation uncovers Chinese crane communication gear, sparking espionage fears

A recent congressional investigation found that some Chinese-made cranes used at US ports have communications equipment with no clear purpose or installation record. This raises concerns that the cranes could potentially be used for surveillance or sabotage.

The investigation, conducted by the House Committee on Homeland Security and House select committee on China, focused on over 200 Chinese-made cranes that are currently in use at US ports and related facilities. This investigation comes at a time of increased tensions between the US and China regarding national security. In response to the findings, the Coast Guard has recently issued orders for the ports to enhance security measures for the Chinese-made cranes.

House lawmakers discovered that the cellular modems, which allow for remote communication, were not included in any contract between US ports and the Chinese crane manufacturer ZPMC, according to a congressional aide who spoke to CNN. During inspections in China, US port personnel found that the modems had already been installed on the cranes, the aide mentioned.

The aide also noted that the modems were found on multiple occasions on ZPMC cranes.

"Our Committees’ investigation revealed weaknesses in cranes at U.S. ports that could give the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] an advantage in spying on trade rivals, as well as causing chaos in supply chains and cargo movement, which would harm our economy," Rep. Mark Green, the Republican chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, told CNN.

"If we don't make significant changes quickly, we will keep providing the CCP with opportunities to access our important infrastructure as they seek to dominate globally."

ZPMC expressed on its website its dedication to delivering top-notch products and services to clients globally. The company emphasized its strict adherence to the laws and regulations of the countries where it operates.

According to Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, concerns about the security risks posed by Chinese-made cranes are unfounded and based on paranoia.

Liu expressed strong opposition to the US stretching the idea of national security and misusing its power to block regular economic and trade partnerships between China and the US.

The findings of the congressional investigation were initially reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Ship-to-shore cranes play a crucial role in the operation of US maritime ports, contributing to the trillions of dollars in economic activity generated each year, as experts explain. According to the Coast Guard, approximately 80% of the cranes utilized at US ports are manufactured in China.

These cranes are capable of remote control, allowing for potential risks if hackers were to gain access to the crane networks. This could result in the collection of sensitive intelligence from ports or, in a worst-case scenario, lead to disruptions in equipment operations.

The Biden administration recently revealed its intention to allocate $20 billion towards enhancing American port infrastructure, particularly focusing on US-manufactured cranes that are deemed to pose lower security risks.

In industries like maritime and oil and gas, many pieces of equipment are equipped with hardware like cellular modems, allowing technicians to perform remote maintenance tasks. This insight comes from Marco Ayala, an industrial cyber expert with extensive experience in the maritime field.

Some critical facilities do not always have well-documented hardware, which can create security risks, according to Ayala, president of the Houston chapter of InfraGard National Members Alliance, a public-private threat-sharing organization.

Ayala explained to CNN that having modems embedded in cranes' operational system "physically bypasses" the ports' traditional IT security defenses. He mentioned that US government and private maritime experts are working on implementing more rigorous security assessments to address this issue.

Editor's P/S:

The discovery of unexplained communications equipment on Chinese-made cranes at US ports raises serious concerns about potential surveillance and sabotage threats. This revelation underscores the need for heightened scrutiny of critical infrastructure, particularly when it involves foreign-sourced equipment. The absence of a clear purpose or installation record for these modems raises questions about the intentions of the Chinese manufacturer and the potential vulnerabilities they may create.

The findings of the congressional investigation highlight the importance of comprehensive security assessments for all equipment used in sensitive areas, including ports and maritime facilities. The US government's decision to invest in American-manufactured cranes is a step in the right direction, but it is also crucial to address the broader issue of undocumented hardware in critical infrastructure. Collaboration between government agencies, industry experts, and private sector organizations is essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety and security of our nation's infrastructure. to protect them from potential threats.