Image for representation purposes only US administration has accused Chinese state-owned shipping company COSCO of using hidden equipment on its ships to collect military communications near the coasts of the United States and other countries. They said COSCO has been working with Beijing to gather intelligence for decades. The arrangement allegedly allows China to collect communication signals from ships and aircraft across Europe, North America and Asia. One official said the equipment was used to gather information about military communications and encryption technology. The officials did not say what type of equipment was being used. They described it as advanced intelligence-gathering equipment, not normal communications equipment. They said the operation could also help Beijing monitor important shipping lanes and maritime routes used for trade and military operations. The information collected could help China carry out maritime reconnaissance, get early warning about foreign military targets and support its position in territorial disputes, the officials said. China’s embassy in Washington denied the allegations. It said the Chinese government would never ask a company or individual to collect intelligence abroad in violation of local laws. COSCO remains one of the world’s largest shipping companies and continues to operate at U.S. ports. The U.S. Department of Defense added COSCO to its list of Chinese military companies in January 2025. The Pentagon said the list includes companies that support China’s military-civil fusion strategy. The designation can affect COSCO’s reputation and access to U.S. government contracts, but it does not impose formal sanctions. In a Jan. 22, 2025 letter, senior members of two House committees asked the U.S. Coast Guard about possible risks linked to COSCO’s role in the U.S. maritime transportation system. The lawmakers raised concerns about possible espionage, cyberattacks, sabotage and supply-c